Help Liz Get Back to Class With a Service Dog
Donation protected
My story:
I have to say, I was (and still am) very afraid to tell my story here. It seemed terrifying to tell everyone my diagnosis and be vulnerable about what happened, but I know there are good people out there who are willing to help. And to be honest, I really do need the help right now, so I'm willing to open up with all of you.
I have PTSD as a result of sexual assault that happened a little over a year ago. I won't go into too much detail, but it completely changed my life and ability to function in a way that my medical history hasn't before. I've had four surgeries for congenital bone malformation and dealt with chronic illness throughout my life and especially in high school which was incredibly difficult with wheelchair, mobility, and health struggles. Getting to school has always been very difficult for me and even now, I still have lots of limits on my physical abilities.
But these have been things that I have been able to work through and obtain suitable accommodations for, and despite these physical drawbacks, I was able to start college after a year of surgical recovery (2018). However, within my first semester, I found myself a rape victim, scared, humiliated, and traumatized as I never had any sort of guidance of what to do or experiences in any sense of the word. Even from my family, I tried for a long time to keep it a secret and haven't told many people until now because of the backlash and scrutiny I've feared. And despite suffering from OCD and Depression already, these seemed like too much to discuss.
Thankfully, ASU (my university) was willing to give me medical leave which doesn't affect my scholarship, but now I am coming into the crunch time. Currently, I am able to use my scholarship money for online classes while I go to therapy and psychiatry, but I can't for much longer, one semester at most. And more than that, I would love to have a chance to finally be a student who can go on campus, participate in clubs, and be present for the education I want to pursue. Or really, to just be able to leave the house, go through the house without experiencing flashbacks and panic attacks, and go outside empowered with the knowledge that I can make it home safely and without dissociation misguiding me would me incredible. I've spent over a year struggling with this illness and trying to do it on my own, but I truly can't and need to find a way to make this work soon.
What I can achieve with your help:
After the confirmation from my psychiatrist and finding the non-profit Northern Arizona Service Dog, following a year of searching for a way to obtain a highly expensive and trained dog, I have finally been able to find a way to work with a dog that will allow me to do just that. This service dog will not only be able to help me come out of panic attacks and dissociative episodes but will also enable me to go back to school and back out into the world to get a job or more life experiences. Not to mention, their weight and presence will also help with my physical stability as I still recover from physical ailments.
All of the funds that are donated here will be going directly to the dog, and anything extra will be used as a donation to the NASD non-profit to pay it forward to someone else who's in a similar situation. I know I'm not the only one who needs a resource like this, and I want to do all I can to help others as I've been helped.
What you can do:
If you could donate even just $1 to my campaign, I would be perpetually grateful. $1 is another step closer to the goal, and I appreciate anything you can spare.
If you don't have any money to spare at the moment, you can also share my story on other sites and social media networks to spread the word. This will also substantial help my effort as more people knowing is more potential donors. This is just as important as the money!
Thank you so much for your time and attention. I couldn't do it without all of you!
I have to say, I was (and still am) very afraid to tell my story here. It seemed terrifying to tell everyone my diagnosis and be vulnerable about what happened, but I know there are good people out there who are willing to help. And to be honest, I really do need the help right now, so I'm willing to open up with all of you.
I have PTSD as a result of sexual assault that happened a little over a year ago. I won't go into too much detail, but it completely changed my life and ability to function in a way that my medical history hasn't before. I've had four surgeries for congenital bone malformation and dealt with chronic illness throughout my life and especially in high school which was incredibly difficult with wheelchair, mobility, and health struggles. Getting to school has always been very difficult for me and even now, I still have lots of limits on my physical abilities.
But these have been things that I have been able to work through and obtain suitable accommodations for, and despite these physical drawbacks, I was able to start college after a year of surgical recovery (2018). However, within my first semester, I found myself a rape victim, scared, humiliated, and traumatized as I never had any sort of guidance of what to do or experiences in any sense of the word. Even from my family, I tried for a long time to keep it a secret and haven't told many people until now because of the backlash and scrutiny I've feared. And despite suffering from OCD and Depression already, these seemed like too much to discuss.
Thankfully, ASU (my university) was willing to give me medical leave which doesn't affect my scholarship, but now I am coming into the crunch time. Currently, I am able to use my scholarship money for online classes while I go to therapy and psychiatry, but I can't for much longer, one semester at most. And more than that, I would love to have a chance to finally be a student who can go on campus, participate in clubs, and be present for the education I want to pursue. Or really, to just be able to leave the house, go through the house without experiencing flashbacks and panic attacks, and go outside empowered with the knowledge that I can make it home safely and without dissociation misguiding me would me incredible. I've spent over a year struggling with this illness and trying to do it on my own, but I truly can't and need to find a way to make this work soon.
What I can achieve with your help:
After the confirmation from my psychiatrist and finding the non-profit Northern Arizona Service Dog, following a year of searching for a way to obtain a highly expensive and trained dog, I have finally been able to find a way to work with a dog that will allow me to do just that. This service dog will not only be able to help me come out of panic attacks and dissociative episodes but will also enable me to go back to school and back out into the world to get a job or more life experiences. Not to mention, their weight and presence will also help with my physical stability as I still recover from physical ailments.
All of the funds that are donated here will be going directly to the dog, and anything extra will be used as a donation to the NASD non-profit to pay it forward to someone else who's in a similar situation. I know I'm not the only one who needs a resource like this, and I want to do all I can to help others as I've been helped.
What you can do:
If you could donate even just $1 to my campaign, I would be perpetually grateful. $1 is another step closer to the goal, and I appreciate anything you can spare.
If you don't have any money to spare at the moment, you can also share my story on other sites and social media networks to spread the word. This will also substantial help my effort as more people knowing is more potential donors. This is just as important as the money!
Thank you so much for your time and attention. I couldn't do it without all of you!
Organizer
Liz Nielson
Organizer
Mesa, AZ