Help Sara afford a service dog for eds & pots

 These conditions include pots syndrome, Erythromelalgia, small fiber Neuropathy and suspected eds (rheumtologist just ordered genetic testing). Normally a service dog would cost 15-50k but I don't think I would be able to raise that much money by myself. I found a trainer who is willing to train for 20 weeks for 3500 + extra fees for certain training tasks + the cost of the dog.  I hardly think this amount will be possible. But I want to try, because I really want my freedom back.  MONEY WILL NOT BE WITHDRAWAL UNLESS I MEET THE GOAL SO YOU CAN RECEIVE A REFUND.





Erythromelalgia, also known as burning hand syndrome makes it hard for me to use my hands properly on flare up days. They swell very badly and either numb or feel like they are burning from the inside out. These symptoms are very common during the summer and during times of intense stress.  There is no great treatment and no cure. It has gotten worst over the years.  On these days I'm in pain and cannot use my hands for nimble tasks or sometimes almost at all. A dog can help me pick items up and do tasks I cannot do with my hands at that point in time. Below you can see the difference between one hand flaring up vs the other.

Pots syndrome has been really hard on me. Pots syndrome is a condition where  the brain that controls the things that are "automatic" in your brain stops working. This includes heart rate, temperature, digestion, blood pressure, and many other things. When I stand my heart rate can shoot up anywhere between 130-160. My blood pressure will then drop suddenly and this can cause me to faint. I have several times within the last year and just received a positive on my official test  on the 13th of May. It's triggered by standing, exercise, heat and stress. All things I can't easily avoid. I'm terrified of fainting in public alone. A dog can be there for me, it can detect when I'm going to faint to help me not fall too hard (let me know to sit or lay down) and can help me get back on my feet easier by doing deep pressure therapy (laying on my legs so my blood can flow more easily). 



Lastly eds effects basically me whole body. I'm not always super steady on my feet. I'm in chronic pain. My joints are bad, not stable and can easily partially pop out of place or completely dislocate. I also have hypermobility. A dog can keep my steady and provide comfort during bad days. It's also been shown that deep pressure therapy can work for eds as well, but in different places.



While I know this goal may not be possible I really wanted to try. I feel like I've lost my freedom. I'm afraid to go anywhere alone, especially in the summer. I need to exercise for my condition but I'm scared to take even walks outside in case something happens, such as fainting. By contributing not only would you be helping me get medical assistances, you would be giving me a best friend, a helper, and freedom I no longer have.