Dysautonomia/ Seizure response service dog

Back in 2016, Rosa was diagnosed with Dysautonomia: specifically Neurocardiogenic Syncope (NCS).  In September 2019, Rosa had her first seizure. When January 2020 came, Rosa was diagnosed with Chronic Dysautonomia: NCS and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS).  With these conditions combined, Rosa’s quality of life is not that of a typical 16 year old.  She has missed out on a lot of events and time with friends, is unable to get her driver’s license, and cannot participate in sports. There are days when she is unable to be mobile enough to independently move around.  This has caused her to use walking aides, aide from a person, a shower chair, and a wheelchair to help with mobility.  There are many days she cannot be left alone and will come to work with me.  When she has episodes, it is hard for Rosa cognitively, neurologically, and to speak.  She also has a hard time bending over, walking long distances, exercising, and being in extreme heat or cold.  Due to her conditions, Rosa has been put on a 504 Plan in school and has missed many days of school.  The 504 Plan has helped with accommodations and modifications to help Rosa succeed.  She continues to go to school for one class, while the other classes are online.  This year alone, Rosa has missed over 360 instructional hours before the accommodation of online classes.  Through all of this, Rosa has remained resilient, on the High Honor Roll, and continues to push herself.  Her dream is to go to University of Texas to become a Pediatric Oncologist or a Pediatric Specialist to help kids with a similar story to her own.  Although the journey will not be easy, it never has been. We are grateful enough that there are resources like 4 Paws for Ability to help kids like her, and make the journey a little easier.