Help Grace get her life-changing assistance dog

Six years ago, my friend Grace contracted listeria meningitis, causing brain abscesses and serious damage. She spent over 6 months in hospital and when she woke from her coma, she had sight, communication and mobility challenges.

Grace has come a long way since then, but still lives with disabilities that affect her every day, making many ordinary tasks difficult. Now she has the chance to gain back a bit more independence.

Grace has been accepted to have an assistance dog — this exciting development has been a long road involving many applications, interviews and occupational therapist visits.

Her dog will be trained specifically to help with things she finds difficult. Opening and closing doors, picking things up from the floor, carrying items, helping at the supermarket, and barking to alert others when she needs help.

These small things add up to something much bigger: more independence for Grace, with a constant companion by her side.

However, there's a hurdle to overcome. The dog costs $10,000, with ongoing food, vet, and pet insurance costs. Grace was a teacher before her brain injury and always financially independent. Asking for financial help doesn't come naturally to her, so I'm doing it for her.

We can't change what happened to Grace, but we can help make what comes next a little easier. She's overcome more in six years than most of us will face in a lifetime. She deserves this win.

If you can chip in, big or small, you'll be helping give Grace more day-to-day freedom.