SERVICE DOG FOR VETERAN

7/21/23

After only 3 days we are close to 2k! That's amazing. Lorraine has confirmed she will be picking up her specialized POTS service dog in August.

Recently my cousin, NC1 Lorraine Watkins, was medically separated from the Navy after serving 9 years. Due to a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that occured on her ship, she has developed a condition own as Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) a condition that causes a number of symptoms when you transition from lying down to standing up, such as a fast heart rate, dizziness and fatigue. While there’s no cure, several treatments and lifestyle changes can help manage the symptoms of POTS. She currently goes to get IV fluid 3 times a week at her local hospital and takes multiple medications.

Most wounded warriors recieve service dogs at no cost to them through different agencies. Unfortunately these service dogs do not have the right skill set to assist with her condition. She has found an organization that specializes in POTS assistance but she will have to pay out of pocket for the service dog. I am trying to raise $5500 to help with this expense.

The service dog will enable my cousin to be more independent, allow less anxiety for herself and her family. The service dog will help alert to high heart rates and minimize syncope episodes and lessen the impacts, the service dog will be able to provide deep pressure therapy to help my cousin recover faster, and provide help up and down, and balance when she's dizzy. As well as provide block and cover and all this will also assist with the PTSD and anxiety.

Please consider helping her offset the cost!