Ally is a strong, smart, creative, amazing student at Oakwood High School who has spina bifida, a neural tube defect. Spina bifida has affected Ally in many ways. She has a host of medical challenges including Hydrocephalus and Scoliosis. This has resulted in nearly 30 surgeries to her brain, spine, and abdomen with many complications, some of them very traumatic. Because of the many surgeries and invasive, complex treatments, she has developed a lot of anxiety. This is not unusual considering that about half of those surgeries were from emergency room admissions. Service dogs are allowed in waiting rooms and anywhere in the hospital that doesn’t require a sterile environment. This will allow Ally to go to appointments with a pal by her side to keep her distracted. It will also help her to cope with mobility issues and help her pick up things, as it is very difficult for Ally to touch the ground from her wheelchair. Thank you to everyone who has donate to help raise money for Ally! We are happy to say that her dog has provided her great comfort and will continue to help her as she grows older.
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