The Chelsea Hutchison Foundation is currently fundraising to be able to provide a grant to Michael and a seizure-response service dog in training for him. Seizure response dogs are a special type of service dog, specifically trained to help someone who has epilepsy or a seizure disorder. Due to the differing needs between each case, every potential seizure dog receives specialized training.
This project will dramatically reduce the stress on this little boy''s family as they deal with the issues of not only epilepsy, but others as well. This project will allow a little boy to be a little boy and allow Michael the opportunity to do things that other boys his age can do while keeping him safe by being his constant companion.
Michael's seizure-response dog will not only serve as his companion, but as his protector. He will alert when Michael is having a seizure, redirect his behavior when he experiences sensory overload, prevent him from causing injury to himself and comfort him with love as he navigates through the world.
Our goal is to get life-saving measures in line for all who could benefit from them. By raising SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy) awareness, our hope is to get epilepsy research on the radar. Most believe that if you have seizures you can take a pill and be cured. Truth is that only 1/3 of those with seizures are controlled by medication. For many, multiple seizures are an every-day part of their life. 1 in 26 will be diagnosed with epilepsy in their lifetime.