This project will change the life of a beautiful little girl who struggles with epilepsy. The Chelsea Hutchison Foundation is currently fundraising to be able to provide a grant to Laney's seizure-response service dog. 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
Laney comes from a family of eight and caring for her, takes up the majority of her parent's time. Having a service dog would free up time to be able to focus on the needs of their other children, and most importantly, take a little stress out of a very hectic life. Laney requires round the clock care so a service dog for Laney means another set of eyes will be on her at all times. Hopefully her parents will be able to get a little sleep.
Laney's family believes a service dog will solve many problems for them and give a much needed sense of comfort knowing her service dog will be by her side constantly. Her service dog will be able to alert her family if a seizure occurs and they are not in the same room and keep her safe. Once her funds are raised, she will be placed in a class where she and her family with attend an intensive training and meet her new service dog. Most likely this will not happen until 2022 because of demand.
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.
