This project will change the life of an amazing young woman who deals with seizures 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 Taylor for her service dog in training. Due to the differing needs of each case, every service dog receives very specialized training.
Taylor is a college student who has epilepsy and has seizures often. She would like to be able to do the things safely that others her age do. She lives away from home which causes a great deal of stress and anxiety for her family. Her hope is to be able to take some of the burden off others and feel a great sense of comfort. Taylor's seizure-response dog, Keegan, is in its early stages of training and should be fully trained by the end of this year.
Keegan is being trained to keep her safe by bracing a fall, protecting her during a seizure, bringing emergency medications and summoning help. Living alone is scary for someone who has seizures. In time, Keegan may be able to alert before the onset of a seizure, allowing Taylor to get herself in a safe setting. Having a constant companion trained to assist her will make everyone feel safer.
This particular project will provide seizure-response dogs 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.
