Service dogs specially trained to detect seizures, protect the disabled and provide emotional support make an amazing difference in the lives of those who receive them. However, it can be very expensive to buy one. It can also take months to years, even with enough funds.
In September 2021, Liam is 10 years old Vanartsdalen was suddenly diagnosed with epilepsy. The frequency of his seizures, combined with an unknown underlying cause, has made life difficult for the poor boy ever since.
Liam’s struggles with epilepsy
Liam’s mother, Devin Stahl Vanartsdalen, told Sun Leopard about her son’s diagnosis.
“In one day, he had up to seven seizures. We took him to the hospital and they ran the tests. She said. “The type of seizures he has are those that don’t, so he doesn’t have seizures or anything and sometimes it’s hard to catch them unless you’re staring at him. It’s especially hard at midnight. ”
Since the first wave, Liam has had to take multiple medications to reduce the number of seizures from a few per day to five to 10 per month. Since doctors have so far been unable to find the cause of his seizures, medication has not been able to control them completely.
The problem is ongoing, and that means side effects happen too:”headaches, muscle fatigue, balance problems, memory problems, anxiety and depression, among others.” Of course, this has been really hard for Liam, and it’s been difficult for his family in other ways.
“It was difficult because he wanted to go out and play sports. He couldn’t play sports because he had to have epilepsy for two years before he could come back like that…” Devin added. “He sometimes has friends to visit but he can’t go out because they are absent due to seizures and not everyone knows what to watch out for.”
Prohibited costs of a service dog
There is a possible solution to what Liam is going through. Service dogs are trained to detect seizures can actually sense them before they happen, so they can take safety measures to protect their handlers. As we know, though, service dogs are expensive.
“The idea of a service dog was something we always toyed with and we started looking at it a few months after it was diagnosed,” explains Devin. “But a lot of the companies that do these things are very expensive, and those that provide financial assistance have a waiting period of several years… We are a low-income household so we knew the only way to get it. One way to do this is to get some kind of financial help. ”
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As a large part of that fundraising effort, the family created a GoFundMe for Liam’s future service dog. All they want is for their son/sibling to be safe and comfortable, despite the high cost.
“Epilepsy alert dogs are service dogs trained to assist with epilepsy and convulsions caused by other conditions. While the cost is extraordinary, we, along with Liam’s doctor, believe the benefits outweigh the price. “
What an epileptic alert dog can do for Liam
Once trained and certified as an official seizure detection dog, service animals can perform a number of important tasks. As described by GoFundMe includes:
“Liam’s dog will be trained to know Liam’s seizure signs before and during. It will warn us by barking, helping Liam to be more independent in his life. It will be trained to help Liam stay on the ground when he falls during a seizure and to help with his balance problems after the seizure. The dog will also be there as a companion to Liam, helping to relieve his daily stress and anxiety and depression.”
So far, the family fundraiser has raised just over $9.00. That means they can at least buy service dogs. However, they will also have to pay for the dog’s extensive training. They will need an additional estimated $18,000 to pay for that as well as the dog’s certificate and care.
“We know this is a big goal to achieve,” the GoFundMe description notes. “Before Liam’s diagnosis, we would never have considered asking people this, but our views have changed in many ways this year. Liam has overcome many hurdles, and we know this will help him overcome many more.”
The family is waiting for the service dog to be selected
After weeks of fundraising, Devin and her husband Keith posted an update on July 11, 2022. They found the perfect dog for Liam.
“Our first milestone has been met and we’re excited to announce that we’ve found an AussieDoodle for Liam! He’s only a few weeks old and won’t be ready for us until August 12.”
If you see this post and can, donate to help Liam moving forward in his journey towards a service dog and companion.
In addition to accepting donations through GoFundMe, Devin has also started a PO Box for her son. She hopes Liam can find a few friends to keep him inside while he waits to get back to playing sports. Please write to Liam and send to PO Box 509, Williamstown, NJ 08094!
Featured pictures: GoFundMe
