Courtney Golin, a Valencia resident living with a variety of health conditions, has been raising funds to receive a furry companion that would assist in detecting seizures before and after they happen.
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Courtney went to a mainstream school, and does things able bodied people can do, however she is facing challenges in becoming more independent.
Most young adults at this stage of their life are saving money for college, a car or some new gadget.
This 23-year-old, however, is trying to raise money for a service animal that would help her and her family.
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Courtney has an implanted VNS device which is known as a brain pacemaker.
With a swipe of a magnet over the device, an electrical impulse goes to Courtney’s brain, shortening a seizure.
Courtney currently lives with her parents, who are her main care providers. With the help of a seizure assistance dog, it will be easier to notice if she is experiencing or has had a seizure, according to Debbie Golin, Courtney’s mother.
Debbie explained the relief the Golins would get having a service dog that would detect seizures.
“What I’m hoping the dog will do is be able to let me know when Courtney is going to have a seizure,” said Debbie. “Or even let Courtney know when she’s going to have a seizure. Courtney doesn’t know when she’s going to have a seizure, and that will be enough of a cue to get her to sit down.”
Courtney participates in many extracurricular activities and programs, and to have a service dog at her side would increase her ability to be an active member of her community, according to Debbie.
With a faithful companion, her seizures could potentially be more manageable when she is at home or out in public by alerting others when she needs help.
Once funds are raised, Courtney will attend a 12-day extensive training session with the selected dog before bringing it home.
The organization does not start the breeding and training process until the funds are raised.
So far, the campaign has managed to raise over $11,000 from almost 130 supporters after launching in late March 2018.
Courtney has nearly met her goal with almost $5,000 to go, however sometimes fundraiser goals are unmet because of low exposure or the family’s network is small.
The Golin family’s campaign is still active for eight more months, according to the campaign page, which is featured on “Razoo;” however, funds will still be accepted after.
In support of Courtney’s efforts, California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) is hosting a fundraiser on Thursday, May 3 at the Bridgeport Marketplace location all day.
Anyone interested in helping with the CPK fundraiser will need to bring a flyer to 24061 Newhall Ranch Road in Valencia, flyers are available in the KHTS Radio lobby on Main Street.
For more information or to donate, click here.
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Hi Courtney! My name is Britany Morano and I am a service dog trainer. Depending on the type of seizure you are experiencing we can train a dog to detect and hopefully predict the onset of your seizure. My colleague also just trained a dog with a magnet on his vest to activate a VNS device for another recipient. Please contact me @ cornerstonecompanions.sd@gmail.com
I would be honored to help you!
Call 10 on Teneur side or channels 3. You will meet your goal really fast. I wish you all the bestI am a 2 time stomach cancer survivor and I live alone and I can not no longer work. I know how tough it is to just live paying medical bills and pay for my medication and the cost of medical insurance. I wish you all the best and I hope I can keep up with your fund raising. God Bless
See my message above
4renesalamone@gmail.com