I Designed These Shirts To Fundraise For My Service Dog

Service dogs can provide life-changing security, independence, and confidence by performing specific tasks for their disabled handlers. But according to Bankrate.com, "...training, in addition to veterinary costs, staff and dog trainers, registration and more, runs the average cost of a service dog between $20,000 and $60,000" (February 28, 2019).

When my doctors and I decided a service dog would be a great next step for me, I had no idea how I was going to approach such a momentous fundraising challenge. The local organization I am hoping to work with has a $25,000 fee. My middle-class New York family, impacted by high medical costs due to my Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, mast cell activation syndrome, endometriosis, and multiple other conditions, certainly doesn't have $25,000 to spare.

I decided to start a campaign using the T-shirt-selling platform Bonfire. I selected three different product styles, uploaded a drawing I made of cute dogs to create my design, and launched my campaign on October 26, 2019. So far, I've sold 12 shirts and made $127 in profit. I still have a long way to $25,000, but I am hopeful that this campaign combined with my GoFundMe (A Service Dog for Addie) will someday allow me to access companionship with a service dog. I will just have to keep trying until I reach my goal.

And after I reach my goal? I won't stop fundraising. Seeing how difficult it is to obtain my own service dog has made me determined to help others, many of whom are far less fortunate than myself. Once my individual situation is secured, I want to continue fundraising to help other disabled individuals who could benefit from service dogs but are unable to tackle the cost. By increasing awareness, educating people about different forms of canine assistance, and finding creative new ways to fundraise, I hope I can help even one more person be matched with the canine companion that will transform their life for the better.

More info: bonfire.com