Sharon's Service Dog Fund

We've all heard the saying that our lives can change in the blink of an eye.  I am living proof of that.  On January 7, 2015, I woke up and went into work the same as any day previously.  Except this was not like any other day.  As I walked my class up the stairs to the third floor, I could feel my heart begin to pound and my legs felt like lead.  By the time I made it into the hall, I could feel everything closing in around me and I collapsed, right there in the hallway in front of all of the 6th, 7th and 8th grade classes.  I was taken to the ER where I was admitted.  I had lost the use of my left leg and a heart monitor was strapped to me.  After two weeks, I was diagnosed with a heart condition called Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome.  At this time, they still did not know what was wrong with my left leg and foot.  I was sent to a rehabilitation center to try and regain the use of my leg.  They were unsuccessful.  Three neurologists later, I was finally diagnosed with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, also known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.  I was discharged from PT for lack of progress.  I am now in a wheelchair and can use a walker, hopping on my right leg, for short distances.  I have discovered many obstacles in my journey of trying to maintain some form of normalcy.  First, I must take care of my heart to prevent passing out.  This includes staying hydrated by drinking a minimum of three liters of water a day and increasing my sodium consumption.  I have also run into problems within my own home of being able to get to things I need or falling down and having to hope someone is home to help me get up.  Out in public, I've had people bang into my foot which causes undescribable pain.  My experiences in public have been less than positive.  It was through this that I was introduced to the idea of a Service Dog.  A Service Dog would be able to sense if I'm becoming dehydrated to prevent me from passing out.  She would be able to retrieve items for me such as my phone if I fell or something on the floor or bottom shelf that I cannot bend over to get.  In public, she would be trained to do a "block" which means that she would protect my leg and foot by standing so no one can walk into me.  The safety and companionship of a Service Dog is invaluable.  However, there is a price.  As the medical bills are coming in, we also recognize the importance of this dog for me.  Therefore, I am coming to you to ask for help.  Any amount is appreciated and will go to the cost of training the dog.  I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generosity.  ~Sharon