Help Get Oaklyn Mobility Aid and Independence

My name is Julia and I am raising funds for my daughter Oaklyn (3 years old) to get her a mobility Service Dog.

Amongst other health conditions, Oaklyn has a rare genetic disease called Episodic Ataxia which is a neurological condition that impairs movement and muscle functioning that has no cure and very limited treatment options. This condition results in many symptoms and challenges that negatively impact Oaklyn’s life.

With her condition, Oaklyn experiences seizures / periods of unresponsiveness, muscle pain, slurred speech / inability to speak, periods of severe weakness in her arms and legs, periods of poor balance and instability, collapsing, head injury, inability to move her arms and legs, etc.

Due to these symptoms, Oaklyn experiences many challenges impacting her emotional health, safety, and her ability to be independent. Oaklyn struggles with and is often unable to walk on her own, go up any type of stair or incline, go to the washroom on her own, be unsupervised due to risk of injury, stand up from sitting, dress herself, play on her own, or do much other normal child activities without close supervision. Oaklyn has been hospitalized on numerous occasions due to her condition and injury, which presents concerns for her safety. Unfortunately, no other intervention has improved her symptoms or challenges which warrants the need for additional support.

Oaklyn is a very kind, smart, compassionate, and independent kid who always puts a smile on everyone’s faces. However, she is severely limited in her ability to be independent which is very hard on Oaklyn. She gets very sad, frustrated, and angry when she is not able to do things herself like walk by herself in a store or walk up some stairs. We have consulted with many doctors and professionals where we explored all options for mobility support for Oaklyn and the only support available to meet her needs is a Service Dog, however, it will cost upwards of $30,000 to get an accredited mobility Service Dog which we cannot afford.

This Service Dog will be trained to aid her mobility so she will be able to go up stairs, the dog will be able to provide stability so she can walk independently without falling, the dog will be trained to alert others if she is unresponsive or has fallen or been injured which will allow Oaklyn to play by herself and go into separate rooms without supervision. The Service Dog will also be trained for her emotional needs as well. It can be very hard for her when one moment she can move her body and the next she cannot, the dog will be able to comfort her and help her relax. These are only a few examples of what the Service Dog would be able to provide for her.

We want more than anything for our daughter to be able to be happy, independent, and safe and a Service Dog will allow her to have that. But we cannot do it without fundraising due to the cost of getting the dog as well as getting the specialized equipment and supplies that will also be needed for the dog.

Oaklyn is a very unique kid who really deserves this opportunity. After all that she is put through, with constant appointments, tests, medications, and pain, she deserves to be happy, independent, and safe.

Thank you everyone for your consideration and support in this journey, it is very much appreciated.

For more information, or direct donation, please reach out to me so I can tell you more or provide you with our e-transfer email address.