Help Constance and Finn With Service Dog Training
Donation protected
Hi everyone, I’m fundraising for my daughter Constance McGatha to get an assistance dog!
Constance had just started her 3rd grade year at BIS, when I noticed she was walking differently. Unsure of the cause, I took her to urgent care over the weekend. They suggested ibuprofen and rest. A few days later, after seeing no improvement, we made an appointment with her pediatrician. After observing her, she immediately referred us to a neurologist. This is where our search for answers began. Doctors were confused, her gait was different than any they had seen. It was interfering with everyday life, and her symptoms began to worsen and change.
We started various methods of treatment, physical therapy, AFOs, and numerous medicines. Constance had an MRI and was referred to a movement disorder specialist at KC Childrens Mercy. After her MRI came back normal ( thank God ) and we saw Dr. Coffman at Childrens Mercy, we finally got our diagnosis- Genetic Torsion Dystonia.
Dystonia is defined as a “ state of abnormal muscle tone resulting in muscular spasm and abnormal posture, typically due to neurological disease or a side effect of drug therapy.” Dystonia can affect different parts of the body. It can also worsen, as we’ve seen over time with Constance. We don’t know what her dystonia may look like 6 months from now, and we are continually trying new things to help her and make her comfortable.
Constance had just started her 3rd grade year at BIS, when I noticed she was walking differently. Unsure of the cause, I took her to urgent care over the weekend. They suggested ibuprofen and rest. A few days later, after seeing no improvement, we made an appointment with her pediatrician. After observing her, she immediately referred us to a neurologist. This is where our search for answers began. Doctors were confused, her gait was different than any they had seen. It was interfering with everyday life, and her symptoms began to worsen and change.
We started various methods of treatment, physical therapy, AFOs, and numerous medicines. Constance had an MRI and was referred to a movement disorder specialist at KC Childrens Mercy. After her MRI came back normal ( thank God ) and we saw Dr. Coffman at Childrens Mercy, we finally got our diagnosis- Genetic Torsion Dystonia.
Dystonia is defined as a “ state of abnormal muscle tone resulting in muscular spasm and abnormal posture, typically due to neurological disease or a side effect of drug therapy.” Dystonia can affect different parts of the body. It can also worsen, as we’ve seen over time with Constance. We don’t know what her dystonia may look like 6 months from now, and we are continually trying new things to help her and make her comfortable.
For her current and future physical
limitations, we're looking to raise funds to
provide her with an assistance dog.
Thank you for your support!
- Ashton Karaffa
Organizer
Ashton Karaffa
Organizer
Bolivar, MO