Hello, my name is Alyssa Bean! I am a 25-year college student majoring in Criminal Justice with Paralegal Studies and a minor in International Studies. I have a condition called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a group of rare inherited conditions that affect my connective tissue. Since connective tissue is found in the skin, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, internal organs, and bones, EDS can cause problems in these places. Examples of issues I have due to EDS is hypermobile joints, frequent subluxations/dislocations, easy bruising/skin tearing, soft velvety skin that is stretchy, weak muscle tone, chronic migraines, chronic pain/fatigue, Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTs), Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), and Gastroparesis to name a few.

I was officially diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome at 21, but that doesn't mean I didn't show signs my whole life. I had my first dislocation at 2 years old, which was the first of many. At 5, I had to go to a handwriting class because my fingers were hypermobile, which resulted in illegible handwriting. I started physical therapy and occupational therapy at 12 due to low muscle tone, even though I cheered and danced. I continued to have frequent subluxations/dislocations, sprains, constant bruising, GI issues, and migraines, which resulted in frequent doctor's appointments to find   the cause of these problems. I was told I was just clumsy for many years, then I was told it is anxiety and was prescribed antianxiety meds, but the issues didn't stop. In 2016, I moved to England to begin my Undergrad degree. Unfortunately, 2 years later, I ended up in the hospital for a week with a mystery diagnosis. I returned back to the US to start the journey of looking for a diagnosis, and after a year and 5 different doctors, I was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.

Currently, I will be starting my last year of college and am studying for the LSAT to continue my education at law school. Healthwise, I am seeing 6 specialists to manage my overall health. I do bimonthly iron infusions, have a loop recorder to track my heart rate, use mobility devices or braces/splints when needed, and manage a healthy diet that avoids any allergies or trigger foods for my EoE or Gastroparesis. Even though my health is manageable right now, there are tasks I need help with from my family. They include opening and closing doors, retrieving items, helping me up after I have a dizzy spell/pass out, and assisting with balance. At 24 years old, I want to have the freedom to go out on my own and not worry about whether I have a family member with me or not in case I come across a task I need assistance with. Fortunately, this is where the assistance of a service dog will help change that. 

I am fundraising for Little Angels Service Dogs. Little Angels trains dogs to assist their recipients with Mobility Tasks, Seizure & Diabetic Alert, Hearing Loss, Autism, PTSD, Panic Attacks, and many other needs. To raise, train, and place a service dog it costs a minimum of $38,00. Expenses can include food, medical care, breeding costs, supplies (crates, food, dishes, toys, collars, leashes, etc.), paying the licensed trainers at Little Angels, and overhead costs. Little Angels Service Dogs relies on the donors to place service dogs with adults and kids who can benefit significantly from one of these dogs.

An EXTRA BONUS for you is that all the money you donate is tax-deductible as Little Angels Service Dogs is a 501c3 non-profit organization. 

If you would prefer to send a check, you can send it to the following address.
1088 US Route 302
Bartlett, NH 03812
Code: AM-BE-AL
Or you can donate directly to Little Angel's website. https://littleangelsservicedogs.org/donate/recipient-fund/

Thank you for donating, and please share!
Love, Alyssa