It will change the life of an amazing young man who deals with seizures on on a regular basis. Seizure response dogs are a special type of service dog, specifically trained to help someone who has epilepsy or a seizure disorder. The Chelsea Hutchison Foundation is currently fundraising to be able to provide a grant to make the final payment for Christian and Christie. Due to the differing needs between each case, every potential seizure dog receives specialized training.
Christie will help Christian gain some independence. Christie is his best friend - one that does not judge him. Christie has alerted to night seizures and makes his single-mother comfortable enough to sleep in her own bed away from him without worrying about what she might find in the morning. Christie will get Christian help if he is in distress. Christian is happiest when he has Christie with him. His mental health is just as important as his health.
Imagine being a teenager and never being able to do the things that most teenagers do. Christie will bring some independence back into his life and allow him to be a little more independent. Christie is in her final specialty training and will be able to brace a fall, protect Christian during a seizure and summon help. Christie and Christian will once again be together as a service-dog team this summer.
This particular project will provide seizure-response dogs for people living with epilepsy, greatly increasing their chances of surviving life-threatening episodes that may arise. This project will also raise awareness about SUDEP to encourage further support of individuals living with epilepsy, their families, and their communities.
