Archives: Donation Forms
John-John
My name is John-John I'm 12 and I live in South Florida. I love to throw balls at dogs. I love to swim and snuggle. And I love family, especially my brother and sister.
I was born with a rare special disease, only 400 cases were reported back then. It's a chromosome disorder known as terminal deletion 2Q37 which causes Autism, seizures, and a lot of physical and cognitive disabilities. I don't speak and I can barely hear. If I'm in pain you'll never know it because I smile all the time and have a high pain tolerance.
I feel a service dog will be my best friend because dogs can feel things that humans can't. I will also be able to throw a ball with a dog and they can bring it back to me.
Thank you for reading about me.
Emily
My name is Emily, and I am a Central Florida resident. I’m a 29-year-old single mom and have two beautiful toddler daughters that are my whole world. I am recovering from heart surgery after I almost lost my life to Sick Sinus Syndrome. I now have a permanent Biotronik pacemaker to control the bradycardia associated with Sick Sinus Syndrome, but my journey is not over. It is just the beginning. This year I was diagnosed by the Mayo Clinic with Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome as well as Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome. I have also been diagnosed with Dysautonomia, Lupus SLE, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (my father was killed due to a traumatizing carjacking), Fibromyalgia, Narcolepsy Type 2, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, and Uncontrollable Hypothyroidism.
I have spent the past year commuting to Mayo Clinic Jacksonville to seek treatment for my complex conditions. I am on Short Term Disability unable to work as my full-time job is now staying alive, going to my appointments, and taking care of myself so I can be there for my kids. After almost losing my life and realizing my daughters would have been left without a mother, I am more focused than I have ever been on stabilizing these conditions.
These conditions cause a range of complications from syncope and collapse to constant pain, fatigue, allergic reactions, hypotension, hypertension, bradycardia or tachycardia. I never know how I am going to feel on any given day. My biggest fear is having a syncopal episode and passing away alone without anyone knowing.
Before these diagnoses I was an active mother who frequented the gym, salsa danced, enjoyed running, social gatherings and spontaneity. My quality of life has diminished. But I refuse to give up. I grew up with a mother with chronic illness who could not do much. I want my kids to have a normal life full of laughter and love. I want them to stop asking me at such a young age how my doctor appointment was and if my “boo-boos” are better, and if “Mama’s heart hurts?”. I want to be strong and healthy for them.
The first step I need to take is to restore independence. Topaz Assistance Dogs can offer that for me. Their skilled canines are capable of:
- Calling 911 on a canine rescue phone when I fall unconscious
- Retrieve a phone during emergencies
- Provide Tactile Deep Pressure Therapy after a fall to get the blood back up to my brain.
- Provide Balance and Stability Support
- Help with household tasks like opening doors for first responders when they arrive, carrying groceries, helping retrieve dropped items, bringing water, assist with laundry and so much more.
It is hard to manage so many complex diagnoses. All the doctor appointments are overwhelming. I have had panic attacks at Mayo Clinic and in public after a syncopal episode. I have felt alone and misunderstood for so long because I feel like a burden on my family and loved ones. I have always had a connection with animals and having a skilled service dog would put me at ease when I awaken from a syncopal episode, lift my spirits during back-to-back 10-hour appointment days and make me feel safer with my children at home. I’m an animal lover, always have been. Having a service dog join my family would be life-changing for me.
It takes a lot of resources, sacrifice and dedication from the Topaz Team to breed, raise, train, assess, and place these wonderful canines with their human partners and forever homes. Topaz does not just drop off a dog at your doorstep, they continue to offer guidance, training and resources throughout the life of the Service Dog. I am blessed to be part of the Topaz community and am looking forward to the day I am matched with my canine who will change my family’s life.
If you are able, please share this story. Every share and every dollar will help me reach my goal. Thank you for reading and God Bless all of You.
Sincerely,
Emily Miller
Jessica
My name is Jessica and I’m 35 years old. I live in Florida but I was born and raised in Connecticut. Two years ago I had a severe stroke that completely changed my life. Prior to the stroke I operated a small business selling fiber art that I made and had been educated and worked as a lawyer up north. I was in the process of studying for the bar exam to practice law in Florida when the stroke happened. Before the stroke, I was extremely independent. Now I have a number of disabilities that impact my ability to lead a normal life - very poor balance and stability, double vision, completely numb left arm and hand, limited mobility and dexterity in the parts of my body I can feel, constant dizziness, and more. I’m doing my best with physical and occupational therapy to regain whatever abilities I can, but an assistance dog would really help me to move forward and keep making progress. One of the toughest things I deal with is a lack of balance. Combined with double vision and dizziness, I have a really hard time feeling safe when I leave the house for appointments or to do errands. I’m very fearful of falling, and having a dog that can help me stabilize, navigate uneven surfaces, and be aware of my surroundings would be life-changing. Sensory overload is a part of my daily life now, but partnering with a dog that can help me focus on balancing and walking by being aware of what I can’t be a huge step in regaining my independence and feeling safer. There are also days where my brain has trouble connecting to my body so help with picking things up, carrying things, and getting household activities done would be amazing. In addition to the physical help an assistance dog could provide, the emotional support would be crucial as well. Aphasia as a result of the stroke has made it really hard for me to verbally communicate with people, so I get really lonely sometimes. It would be such a blessing to have company and having had dogs in the past, I know how deeply that relationship can improve a person’s wellbeing. I believe that with an assistance dog, I will be able to be more active outside of my home, feel more secure, and live a much fuller life despite my limitations. And as an added bonus, the companionship would make my new normal a much happier experience.
Please consider making a donation to help me reach my goal, any amount is very much appreciated. Thank you for your support!
Please donate towards my goal!
Janine
I began to lose my hearing at age 45. The diagnosis was that my loss is genetic and would decline over time. At that stage in my life, I was a professional speaker, and struggling to hear was not a good thing as I could not understand questions being asked of me from the audience. I folded up my ego and got my first set of hearing aids at age 50. To date, I have purchased seven sets of hearing aids as my decline was moving more rapidly than anticipated. I then developed Meniere’s Disease which brings on spontaneous vertigo and nausea episodes as well as an additional loss of hearing that is typically not regained. When I have an episode, I lose my balance, get extremely nauseous, and need to get help quickly. The silver lining to these disabilities is my Topaz Assistance Dog, Ziva. She acts as my ears and alerts me when my alarm clock goes off, the kitchen timer dings, my cell phone rings, and if there is a siren close by from an ambulance or fire truck. She acts as my legs if I were to fall by retrieving my cell phone so I can call for help. If a vertigo episode hits, she counter-balances me so I can focus and get to a safe place as quickly as possible. Ziva has changed my world. We are a team with a purpose along with being best friends.
Grayson
Grayson is a sweet little 6 year old who just finished Kindergarten! He loves playing with his toy cars, Paw Patrol toys, and swimming and swinging in his backyard. His smile will melt your heart! Grayson’s diagnosis of Down syndrome, about a week after his birth, was a complete surprise to his family. It didn’t take them long to get fully involved in the Down syndrome community. Their local organization has been invaluable! Grayson attended their Music Therapy for years (even after he aged out) and now he and Mama go to their Learning Program. They’ve made wonderful friends and have amazing support there with other families that have loved ones with Down syndrome.
Grayson’s future Assistance Dog will undoubtably become his best friend and awesome helper. Grayson is very sensitive to loud noises and large groups of people. He also struggles with transitions, understanding of safety, and has sleeping issues. Grayson is so excited to have a new buddy and companion!
Please donate towards my goal!
Ben
Hi! I’m Ben, born and raised deep in the heart of Austin, Texas.
I have cerebral palsy, also known as CP, which is a diagnosis that makes it difficult for me to move my body independently. Luckily, I have an amazing power wheelchair that I use to navigate around school and my community. I also love zipping around my neighborhood but my wheelchair won’t pick things up or help me open doors. I run into barriers throughout my life, but it doesn’t stop me! Having a service dog will be life changing and help me be more independent.
I love life and keeping busy! One of my passions is writing plays. I’ve written a musical that was accepted to FronteraFest. It’s a big deal especially for a middle schooler. I believe you can do anything you put your mind to! I learned to love writing at school, one of my favorite places to be. Being around my friends makes me happy and distracts me from my medical needs. I can just be a kid. I’m also working on a business plan for making and selling Christmas ornaments. Christmas is my favorite holiday because I like the joy everybody has at Christmastime. I want to spread joy year round.
I’m still learning all of the ways a service dog can support me and I can’t wait to bring my dog home to be a part of my family. I will love her always and can’t wait to experience life with her. With your help this dream becomes a reality. I’m so excited!!!
AnnaGrace
AnnaGrace is 18 years old and lives in Southern MD, just south of Washington DC. She was scheduled to graduate from Northern High School in June before COVID-19 brought the world to a standstill.
AnnaGrace loves being a Unified Partner with Special Olympics and participates in the cheer and dance team. She loves reading and being with her family and friends. AnnaGrace has also been hosting virtual stretching sessions for the Special Olympic Athletes to keep them moving and keep their relationships growing.
AnnaGrace was diagnosed at the age of 4 with Type 1 Diabetes. She also has an unknown muscle and nerve disease that effect her mobility. Additionally, she has a mitochondrial disorder that greatly affects her energy levels. AnnaGrace has hypoglycemia unawareness and therefore is unable to recognize episodes of dangerous low blood sugar. Partnering with a Service Dog will help keep her safe by assisting to managing her diabetes as well as helping her ambulate through life. Having a Service Dog by her side will help her find greater independence and confidence as she beings college to pursue her degree in Nursing.
AnnaGrace was blessed to have a Service Dog named Keeper who was her constant companion and life saver. They made a wonderful Team; Keeper and AnnaGrace were inseparable. Sadly, Keeper passed away in the Summer of 2019. AnnaGrace has truly missed having a Service Dog by her side. She is so grateful and excited to be partnered with a new Service Dog and truly appreciates the hard work and generosity everyone has shown her.