Real Life Story

<p>KK was born with mastocytosis, a rare illness that causes her to have allergic reactions that can progress rapidly to anaphylactic shock, which is life-threatening.</p> <p>Anything &amp; everything can potentially become a trigger for KK, and often with no warning.</p> <p>Michelle, KK&rsquo;s mom, says, &ldquo;KK can have a reaction by doing things kids do..."</p> <p>&ldquo;I was excited about the idea of having a service dog to watch over KK, &amp; get help for her if necessary. But unfortunately, ...</p> <p>&ldquo;... didn&rsquo;t train dogs for that condition, or that KK was too young. We were struggling to make a positive connection.&rdquo;</p> <p>Until she left a message for Kristin Hartness with Canines for Disabled Kids.</p> <p>(CDK) provided her with invaluable support by recommending service dog providers, confirming her trust in the organization they selected..., providing a scholarship for helping them obtain JJ, &amp; educating Michelle &amp; KK&rsquo;s school on working with a medical alert service dog.</p> <p>&ldquo;Before we had JJ, KK would have an anaphylactic reaction 3-4 times a year. Now she&rsquo;s only had three in the past 5 years, &ldquo;Michelle explains. &ldquo;This is because JJ smells the chemical change at the onset, before it becomes severe.&rdquo;</p> <p>For parents of children with life-threatening medical conditions, sending their child off to school is anything but routine.</p> <p>KK attends school &amp; much more as she takes on the world, with JJ by her side.</p> <p>Read KK's full story &amp; see where your donations are taking her &amp; scholarship teams like her on our website.&nbsp;</p> <p>Abbreviated from <em>A Dog with Wings: The Story of KK her 'Angel': Medical Alert Dog JJ by Janis D Gioia</em></p>