Help get Dominick a seizure alert service dog!

Hi Friends,

Over the past five years, I have been very vocal about my son Dominick’s health. During my 26-week ultrasound appointment, rhabdomyomas (tumors) were found on his heart. After dozens of tests and scans, it was confirmed that Dominick had a genetic condition called Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC). Doctors and specialists told us to prepare for the worst. Since hearing those words, something inside me changed forever. Its now my sole job to advocate for Dominick and give him the best life possible.

TSC is a rare genetic condition that causes tumors/tubers to grow in many different organs systems. Growth most often occurs in the brain, skin, heart, eyes, kidneys, and lungs. Dominick is affected in his skin, heart, kidneys and brain. Dominick has too many tubers in his brain to count on an MRI, and brain involvement puts him at a high risk for TSC-related seizures. This brain involvement has also contributed to an autism diagnosis, sensory needs, and behavioral challenges.

As many of you know, Dominick suffered from a terrible, long seizure a month ago that caused him to be put on a ventilator. This was a seizure we never saw coming, resulting in urgent transport to Pittsburgh Children’s Hospital, days of anti-seizure medication with terrible side effects, and a scare to all who love him.

We are beyond grateful that Dominick came out of this ordeal without any known lasting effects. Some are not as fortunate. This leaves us with one main goal: to be one step ahead of future seizures by foreseeing and treating them before they get out of hand. How is that possible? With a seizure dog.

We are currently in the process of obtaining a seizure dog for Dominick through Dulebohn Service Dogs. This process will take approximately 12-15 months. The cost is $17,500 plus expenses for a weeklong training session in Wapakoneta, Ohio. This fundraiser is to help find Dominick his perfect match! Every dollar donated will be applied to Dominick’s seizure dog account to cover the costs of the vetting and matching process, the advanced training specific to Dominick and his needs, and the weeklong class attendance before receiving his dog.

How will a Service Dog help Dominick?

*Seizure response dogs are trained to alert a family member or caregiver of a seizure up to 15 minutes BEFORE a seizure begins (and sometimes even 24-48 hours before!). This will allow us to begin treatment immediately.

*Dogs are trained to lie next to their owners during a seizure to help the owners from injuring themselves, and others will stand next to their owners to break their fall and prevent injury.

*Seizure response dogs can be trained to press alarm buttons or other pre-programmed devices that call for help.

*They are often trained in mobility assistance, such as helping their owners get up and walk to a safe place before or after a seizure.

*The service dog will also be trained in behavior disruption – interfering in and distracting Dominick during periods of difficult behavior.

*Most importantly, this will give us peace of mind that Dominick will be monitored day and especially at night while he sleeps. The fear of a nighttime seizure has prevented a sound night’s sleep since his birth.

Thank you for your consideration in helping us with this endeavor.