This project will allow Chelsi a more independent life by having a constant companion who could potentially save her life. This would also bring some much needed peace to Mom and Dad. The Chelsea Hutchison Foundation is currently fundraising to be able to provide a grant to Chelsi and her service dog who she will meet in June. Seizure response dogs are a special type of service dog, specifically trained to help someone who has epilepsy or a seizure disorder.
Imagine being a young woman and never being able to do the things that most your age do. Chelsi's family lives in constant fear of what could happen during a seizure. Her service dog will be trained to alert a family member if she is in trouble, brace a fall, bring emergency medications if necessary. Her service dog will be able to offer comfort and reassurance during and after a seizure. In time, her companion may be able to alert before the onset of of an impending seizure.
A seizure-response dog will give Chelsi more independence and in time will allow her family to relax a bit. With epilepsy, you NEVER know when a seizure will hit. Our hope is that a seizure-response will open doors for Chelsi and allow her to feel more confident in social settings. Unless you are a part of this epilepsy world, this is a hard thing to explain or imagine.
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.
