#TeamHawk

As many of you know my husband, Steven Hawkins, has epilepsy and often struggles daily with some sort of side effect from this disease. Whether it's a seizure, hospital stay, medication side effect, doctor appointment, or not being able to drive for months on end, there always seems to be something he has to work through. As many of you also know, Steve works through these daily struggles with a smile on his face. He is one of the most kindhearted people this world has ever known.

On August 9th, 2016 one of our worst fears became a reality. Steve was holding our daughter, Andi, while talking to Renee, when Renee noticed that Steve was acting a little off. Before Renee had time to process what was about to happen, Steve began to seize. Thank God she was able to grab Andi from Steve's arms as he began to seize. Steve immediately fell back onto the concrete. This fall fractured his skull, which severed an artery. A few hours later a surgeon at GHS sat me down in the private room our family and close friends had been whisked away to. He told me I needed to sign a consent form. A consent form to perform an emergency craniotomy to repair an epidural hematoma in Steve's brain. A consent form that if I didn't sign within an hour, my husband would go to sleep and not wake up.

Steve is slowly but surely progressing in his recovery, but he has a very long road ahead of him. Since his surgery on August 9th, Steve has had 2 more seizures and another hospital stay. Luckily, it seems these 2 seizures didn't cause any other brain injuries.

God saved Steve's life on August 9th and has been carrying us through this horrific nightmare every step of the way. It has been absolutely amazing to see the way God has placed every little detail in the exact right spot for an outcome that even Steve's neurosurgeon calls a miracle.

One of the blessings God has placed in our path on this journey is Captian Mike at Pendragon Acres in Weeki Wachee, FL. He breeds and trains service dogs. We have decided to purchase a seizure service dog for Steve. A 5 week old German Shepard puppy, Hawk, began his months of training this week- training that could potentially save Steve's life one day.

Hawk comes to us at the cost of $20,000. I'm asking for your help to raise this money because my daughter almost lost her daddy that day in August, and I want to do everything in my power to keep my family healthy, happy, and together.

Steve, myself, Andi, and our family would greatly appreciate any donations, support, and prayers on this journey. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts and couldn't do any of this without the support of our family and friends.