8-Year-Old Wrentham Girl Needs Your Help To Get A Diabetic Alert Dog
Savannah needs a diabetic alert dog. When Savannah was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at just three years old, her family’s world was turned upside down. Their hospital stay became an intense introduction to managing a condition that would dominate their lives. What had once been simple, comforting moments of napping together were replaced with the constant vigilance of 24/7 monitoring and care.
Now, at nearly 8 years old, Savannah has grown into a spirited and resilient child. She’s passionate about gymnastics, swimming, and sports, but Type 1 Diabetes remains an ongoing challenge. Despite her enthusiasm and energy, managing her condition impacts her daily life in significant ways.
One of the most challenging aspects is her love of swimming. Savannah frequently encounters issues with her continuous glucose monitor (CGM) losing signal when she’s in the water, making this otherwise joyful activity a source of frustration and risk. Managing her blood sugar requires constant attention and decision-making to keep her levels within a healthy range. High blood sugar can leave Savannah feeling ill and irritable, while low blood sugar poses immediate dangers if not promptly addressed.
As a single mother, Savannah’s mom relies heavily on modern technology, including the ability for family members to track Savannah’s CGM data and provide alerts as a backup during the night. Despite this support, exhaustion has occasionally led to missed low blood sugars, which can be life-threatening. Conversely, high blood sugar makes Savannah feel miserable and affects her ability to engage in the activities she loves.
Savannah’s diabetes management, while supported by technology, remains imperfect. Her CGM reduces the need for frequent finger pricks and alerts her caregivers to extreme blood sugar levels. However, technology can be unreliable, and Savannah does not always feel or respond to changes in her blood sugar levels, increasing her risk of severe complications.
Savannah Needs A Diabetic Alert Dog ASAP
In search of additional support, Savannah’s mother reached out to State Representative Marcus Vaughn, who connected them with Diabetic Alert Dogs Of America. Savannah was accepted into a service dog program, but the cost of fully training and certifying the dog is a significant challenge. Her mother, stepping out of her comfort zone, is now seeking help from the community to cover these expenses.
A Diabetic alert dog would greatly enhance Savannah’s life. The dog would provide alerts for blood sugar highs and lows, offering an added layer of safety and reducing the constant worry her mother faces. Savannah’s condition has prevented her from participating in many typical childhood activities, such as sleepovers or spontaneous playdates. The service dog would enable her to enjoy a more normal childhood and give her mother peace of mind.
This summer has underscored the ongoing difficulties of managing Type 1 Diabetes. A Dexcom outage in June required reliance on finger pricks, and Savannah’s insulin pump and CGM have frequently malfunctioned during water activities. Each issue—from device malfunctions to physical discomfort from device sites—highlights the relentless nature of managing her condition.
Asking for help is challenging, but the journey of raising a child with a permanent, life-threatening condition has taught Savannah’s mother about humility and perseverance. Every contribution, whether financial or through spreading the word, is invaluable. Savannah and her family deeply appreciate any support offered. Together, they hope to make a significant difference in her life and help her lead a more carefree, joyful childhood.
Their GoFundMe page is below. Currently they are almost halfway to their $25,000 goal.
