Independence for Alex

Alex is a 17-year-old who is looking for independence in spite of their ever-changing chronic illnesses. In 2019, Alex came down with a viral illness that left them with chronic pain and different diagnoses such as POTS and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). In early 2020, they were diagnosed with POTS which is a sub-illness to the illness called Dysautonomia. Dysautonomia is a condition that is caused by a malfunction in the autonomic nervous system. Dysautonomia presented in Alex with high heart rate, low blood pressure, and passing out episodes that tend to happen almost daily. They also got diagnosed with Non-Epileptic Seizures which are caused by physiological changes such as electrolyte imbalance or dehydration. EDS is a genetic hypermobility condition that affects the production of collagen in one’s body and can cause Dysautonomia. Because of these things, Alex struggles to stay in school, in spite of loving school. In April of 2023, Alex was admitted to the PICU because they had an episode at school that left them in respiratory distress and on a ventilator. After an appointment with the doctor managing Alex’s chronic illnesses, we collectively decided Alex’s next step is getting a service dog! This is Alex’s next step into independence. If Alex were to have an episode when they are on their own, a service dog would provide support throughout the episode. Alex’s family cannot raise the funds for a service dog on their own which is why they need help. Thank you so much for reading Alex’s story and thank you so much for the help! :)