MEDIA: Jaxon's New Best Friend
At three months old, Jaxon was diagnosed with a rare form of epilepsy called 'West Syndrome' which has detrimental effects on the brain and development.
Now aged three, Jaxon has spent his short life experiencing too many medical emergencies, ambulance calls and trials of epileptic medications.
Jaxon's seizures continue to worsen over time and have become resistant to medication.
Jaxon’s grandmother, Patricia says, “It is heartbreaking to see Jaxon work so hard to learn new developmental milestones and have them wiped from his brain after he seizures. It’s traumatic to see him struggle to breathe during tonic-clonic seizures and even more terrifying when he has them during sleep.”
According to Epilepsy Foundation Australia, seizure alert dogs can help their companion with enhanced quality of life, increased independence and provide emotional support and relief. Jaxon's new dog will also be able to alert his parents when he suffers from life-threatening seizures when he sleeps.
His grandmother Patricia started a fundraising campaign to afford the dog and its seizure alert training. The fundraising page has since exceeded its goal three times over, raising over $15,440 - http://www.mycause.com.au/supportjaxon.
After sourcing a reputable breeder, Jaxon will soon meet Milo who is currently undergoing his seizure alert dog training to help Jaxon during critical conditions, especially when no one is around.
Patricia says, “We still see Jaxon manage to keep fighting! His determination is our inspiration to pick ourselves up when we fall.”
On the 26th January, Jaxon's story was featured on page 13 of the Hearld Sun. Read the full feature below:
