Hello, my name is Alicia Saunders. I am a 16 year old student
in Grade 11 and I struggle with epilepsy and anxiety. Please take
the time to read my story.
At 14 months old I had my first seizure while sitting in my high
chair. My parents had no idea I was having a seizure until a few
months later when I had another seizure in my mom’s arms and, when
taken to hospital, and I was diagnosed with Epilepsy. After a year on
medication and my seizures were controlled, I was able to come off my medication.
At the at age 15, after living seizure free for 14 years, I had
another seizure. Once again, I was diagnosed with Epilepsy but this
time my journey would be significantly different.
I have multiple seizures, including tonic, clonic and absence
seizures, in public, at school and at home. These situations cause me
great anxiety. I fear leaving my home and I become anxious when I am
away from my family. I also fear going to sleep as I have experienced
a seizure in my sleep.
At school, I require a buddy to go to the washroom and moving between
classes. At home I am unable to leave without someone always being
with me. This includes, includes going for a walk, riding my bike and
swimming. I am, also, unable to obtain a drivers license and getting
a job or even babysitting are not possible as I need to be monitored.
There are many things in place to keep me safe and my family and
friends know what to do in an emergency. I am grateful for
technology. The Apple Watch with a seizure detection app has given me
some help but sadly it can malfunction.
In the summer of 2024, I was diagnosed with generalized and social
anxiety as well as suffering from sensory processing disorder. The
doctor agreed I would benefit from a service dog to respond when I was
experiencing a seizure and providing mental health support when I find
myself feeling anxious in social and day to day situations. We also
believe that a service dog will provide me with more help in managing
my seizure triggers including my anxiety.
I am grateful for all my doctors and for the support they have
provided for me to obtain a service dog. I am also thrilled to have
been accepted by Kingston 4 Paws Service Dogs to receive such a
companion and I am incredibly excited to be starting on this new
journey! I can’t wait to have a furry friend and helper who will give
me back my independence and a sense of freedom. I also can’t wait to
have a snuggle buddy who does their job without judgment.
Please help me raise money, in support of this organization so they
can continue to help other families just like me!!
Stay tuned for updates on my journey. 😊
Alicia, Kelly & Andrew (my Mom and Dad)
