Let's help Madi
Donation protected
My name is Gabi Herder, I am 16, and I ask you to join me in helping my friend Madison Schultz. Madi has Type 1 Diabetes and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). Madi has suffered from extreme highs and lows in her blood sugar. If not found early, her condition can be fatal.
This is why I am trying to raise money for a Diabetes Alert Dog (DAD). A DAD is specially-trained to alert its owner before blood sugar levels become dangerous. Madi is afraid to sleep at night, for fear she might not wake up. A Diabetic Alert service dog would wake her, because it is trained to react to chemical changes in the body.
Every little bit helps, as the cost for these wonderful service dogs can cost $15,000 or more because of the time and training it takes to certify them. But, we've done our homework. We have been in touch with a certified trainer who has a great reputation and track record, and are trying to raise $8,000.00
I have posted "A Mother's Story" from Madi's mom at the bottom. She has a better description of the medical specifics to help us understand my friend's daily 24/7 struggle.
I want to do everything I can to support her. We lover her very much. She is the sweetest person in the world, and deserves a normal life.
Will you please help me achieve this dream for her?
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Donations:
Every little bit helps. Any donations beyond our goal will go to:
Travel to the training site to learn how to handle the DAD
Specialized equipment and supplies for the DAD such as service vest, leash, crate, travel bowels, etc.
Ongoing veterinary cost
Pet insurance. DAD owners carry special insurance for health and liability, as well as replacement value.
Cost:
$200 deposit already paid to Tattle Tails
$2800 remaining purchase of dog
$25/week for 6months for live streaming dog trading with owner KC Owens = $600
Travels fees for 2 airline tickets, hotel for 4 nights, car rental and food expenses in Salt Lake City
Resources:
Man's Best Friend is Man's Best Lifesaver
http://www.tattletailscentdogs.com/news/
(very informative video)
TattleTail Scent Dogs
http://www.tattletailscentdogs.com/
Meet Harlow. Harlow is trained to help her owner with her POTS.
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/this-service-dog-is-wowing-the-internet-with-her-impressive-skills/
Diabetic Alert Dog info
http://www.rheumatologynetwork.com/diabetic-alert-dogs-what-do-their-noses-know
Diabetes Dog Story
http://www.wmur.com/article/monday-may-20th-diabetes-dog/4523220
What is Type 1 Diabetes?
http://jdrf.org/life-with-t1d/type-1-diabetes-information/what-is-diabetes/
Families with Dogs:
http://www.diabetesmine.com/tag/fielder-the-super-dog
louisville woman gets diabetic service dog
DAD Alliance: http://www.diabetesalertdogalliance.com
chronicle/Monday-May-20th-Diabetes-Dog/20254462
Fielder the Super Dog:
http://www.thedoctorstv.com/articles/864-drey-s-alert-dogs-for-diabetics
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A Mother's Story - by Denise Schultz
A little about Madison Schultz
Madison was born an old soul. She is truly a special young lady that dreams of becoming a physician someday. Although she has had multiple medical setbacks, she always remains positive, kind and so very loving to all.
Madison was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes 3/1/13. She was in 6th grade and although young and seemed to devastating news, she never asked why me. She is not the type to feel sorry for herself or seek attention. She is extremely humble.
Last year Madison’s health started to decline. She was a cheerleader and so active and on the go all the time. I noticed that she was becoming more tired, less active, and had a very difficult time getting out of bed in the mornings. She was tardy to school so much and it definitely affected her grades. The last quarter of 9th grade she missed so much school because she “didn’t feel well”. Her diabetes was under control and her Endocrinologist always boasted about how well she takes care of herself and is so mature. Her grades drastically declined and we just prayed that she didn’t fail any of her classes and wouldn’t be held back.
We still didn’t know what was going on with Madison, her health declined gradually that it was difficult to understand what was happening. Over the summer is when we started seeking medical treatment for Madison as we knew something was wrong. She has shortness of breath and air starvation, she was near passing out with dizziness, nauseated, lack of appetite, chronic abdominal pain, weight loss, chronic pain, headaches, difficulty concentrating, body aches, and extreme lethargy.
We sought psychiatric assistance thinking she was depressed and had difficulty concentrating, she received counseling to help with coping with all that was going on, trips to the ER and diagnosed with dehydration and a virus, and we saw the pediatrician multiple times and diagnosed her dizziness and shortness of breath as asthma. Finally after speaking with a friend and doing some personal research on the internet, I came across information about POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome). Madison met almost all the symptoms and I immediately requested to see a Cardiologist for a definite diagnosis. 8/5/16 Madison was diagnosed with POTS when her heart rate was consistently above 180 after she stood up and almost passed out.
Since then we have had a long road of new physicians. Madison is unable to attend school and receives home study. We now have a Cardiologist, Endocrinologist, Gastroenterologist, Pulmonologist, Psychiatrist, Physical Therapist, Chiropractor, and Orthopedic Surgeon and a Home Health Nurse who cares for Madison. I am sure we will add a few more specialist as we are not improving. She lives with chronic pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, lack of appetite, abdominal pain, and has been bed ridden for months.
I am seeking assistance as a single working mother to help fund a diabetic alert dog for Madison. She desperately has wanted one since diagnosis and I feel that she would sleep better at night knowing that she has security of always waking up. Madison is scared to death of a seizure and dying due to low blood sugar. This disease is so unpredictable and not fair for our children. Madison has definitely had her share of medical challenges and this would brighten and light my sweet girls’ spirits.
This is why I am trying to raise money for a Diabetes Alert Dog (DAD). A DAD is specially-trained to alert its owner before blood sugar levels become dangerous. Madi is afraid to sleep at night, for fear she might not wake up. A Diabetic Alert service dog would wake her, because it is trained to react to chemical changes in the body.
Every little bit helps, as the cost for these wonderful service dogs can cost $15,000 or more because of the time and training it takes to certify them. But, we've done our homework. We have been in touch with a certified trainer who has a great reputation and track record, and are trying to raise $8,000.00
I have posted "A Mother's Story" from Madi's mom at the bottom. She has a better description of the medical specifics to help us understand my friend's daily 24/7 struggle.
I want to do everything I can to support her. We lover her very much. She is the sweetest person in the world, and deserves a normal life.
Will you please help me achieve this dream for her?
------------------------------------------------------------------
Donations:
Every little bit helps. Any donations beyond our goal will go to:
Travel to the training site to learn how to handle the DAD
Specialized equipment and supplies for the DAD such as service vest, leash, crate, travel bowels, etc.
Ongoing veterinary cost
Pet insurance. DAD owners carry special insurance for health and liability, as well as replacement value.
Cost:
$200 deposit already paid to Tattle Tails
$2800 remaining purchase of dog
$25/week for 6months for live streaming dog trading with owner KC Owens = $600
Travels fees for 2 airline tickets, hotel for 4 nights, car rental and food expenses in Salt Lake City
Resources:
Man's Best Friend is Man's Best Lifesaver
http://www.tattletailscentdogs.com/news/
(very informative video)
TattleTail Scent Dogs
http://www.tattletailscentdogs.com/
Meet Harlow. Harlow is trained to help her owner with her POTS.
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/this-service-dog-is-wowing-the-internet-with-her-impressive-skills/
Diabetic Alert Dog info
http://www.rheumatologynetwork.com/diabetic-alert-dogs-what-do-their-noses-know
Diabetes Dog Story
http://www.wmur.com/article/monday-may-20th-diabetes-dog/4523220
What is Type 1 Diabetes?
http://jdrf.org/life-with-t1d/type-1-diabetes-information/what-is-diabetes/
Families with Dogs:
http://www.diabetesmine.com/tag/fielder-the-super-dog
louisville woman gets diabetic service dog
DAD Alliance: http://www.diabetesalertdogalliance.com
chronicle/Monday-May-20th-Diabetes-Dog/20254462
Fielder the Super Dog:
http://www.thedoctorstv.com/articles/864-drey-s-alert-dogs-for-diabetics
--------------------------------------------------------------
A Mother's Story - by Denise Schultz
A little about Madison Schultz
Madison was born an old soul. She is truly a special young lady that dreams of becoming a physician someday. Although she has had multiple medical setbacks, she always remains positive, kind and so very loving to all.
Madison was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes 3/1/13. She was in 6th grade and although young and seemed to devastating news, she never asked why me. She is not the type to feel sorry for herself or seek attention. She is extremely humble.
Last year Madison’s health started to decline. She was a cheerleader and so active and on the go all the time. I noticed that she was becoming more tired, less active, and had a very difficult time getting out of bed in the mornings. She was tardy to school so much and it definitely affected her grades. The last quarter of 9th grade she missed so much school because she “didn’t feel well”. Her diabetes was under control and her Endocrinologist always boasted about how well she takes care of herself and is so mature. Her grades drastically declined and we just prayed that she didn’t fail any of her classes and wouldn’t be held back.
We still didn’t know what was going on with Madison, her health declined gradually that it was difficult to understand what was happening. Over the summer is when we started seeking medical treatment for Madison as we knew something was wrong. She has shortness of breath and air starvation, she was near passing out with dizziness, nauseated, lack of appetite, chronic abdominal pain, weight loss, chronic pain, headaches, difficulty concentrating, body aches, and extreme lethargy.
We sought psychiatric assistance thinking she was depressed and had difficulty concentrating, she received counseling to help with coping with all that was going on, trips to the ER and diagnosed with dehydration and a virus, and we saw the pediatrician multiple times and diagnosed her dizziness and shortness of breath as asthma. Finally after speaking with a friend and doing some personal research on the internet, I came across information about POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome). Madison met almost all the symptoms and I immediately requested to see a Cardiologist for a definite diagnosis. 8/5/16 Madison was diagnosed with POTS when her heart rate was consistently above 180 after she stood up and almost passed out.
Since then we have had a long road of new physicians. Madison is unable to attend school and receives home study. We now have a Cardiologist, Endocrinologist, Gastroenterologist, Pulmonologist, Psychiatrist, Physical Therapist, Chiropractor, and Orthopedic Surgeon and a Home Health Nurse who cares for Madison. I am sure we will add a few more specialist as we are not improving. She lives with chronic pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, lack of appetite, abdominal pain, and has been bed ridden for months.
I am seeking assistance as a single working mother to help fund a diabetic alert dog for Madison. She desperately has wanted one since diagnosis and I feel that she would sleep better at night knowing that she has security of always waking up. Madison is scared to death of a seizure and dying due to low blood sugar. This disease is so unpredictable and not fair for our children. Madison has definitely had her share of medical challenges and this would brighten and light my sweet girls’ spirits.
Organizer and beneficiary
Gabi Herder
Organizer
Chandler, AZ
Denise Schultz
Beneficiary