Lauralee Kirkpatrick's Service Dog Fundraiser

My name is Lauralee Kirkpatrick, and I have my B.S in Early Childhood Education from the University of Central Florida. I am an elementary school teacher (First grade) for the past 12 years. 

At the age of 5 I was diagnosed with Lyme Disease, and it affected my heart. I almost died from Lyme Disease and was never cured from it. It has affected my immune system as well as my walking. As the years have gone by and I have gotten older I have been diagnosed with more medical issues. I have endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome disease, migraines, arthritis, a herniated disc in my neck, chronic pain, and anxiety. I have three heart conditions which are supraventricular tachycardia, mitral valve prolapse, and mitral valve regurgitation. I also have nerve damage that affects my arms, hands, and legs (longstanding bilateral C6 and C7 radiculopathies; central disc herniation on my C4, C5, and T1). The average or normal range is 50% and I am at 25%. Recently I had my second loop recorder put in my chest for my heart conditions so my cardiologist can continually monitor/watch my episodes. Because of these difficulties I have decided to reach out to New Horizons to receive a service dog from them to help me manage my symptoms. This way I can live my life more fully.

New Horizons Service Dogs is a Nonprofit that provide people with a dog at no cost to those who qualify. New Horizons estimates that they put $25,000 into each dog before they place them at approximately 2 years of age.  While I wait to receive a dog, I am reaching out to you, to help support this organization with a financial donation in any amount that you are comfortable giving to help fund the breeding, raising and training of these service dogs. This is a thank you for the service they provide free of charge to all their clients. I'm looking forward to working with my new dog in the future. You are not only helping me, but New Horizons so they can continue their mission. Thank you for spreading your love, kindness, and generosity.