A Little About Me, I became unwell on November 5, 2011, while at school, when I suddenly lost consciousness. The initial tests didn’t reveal any answers, and I was cleared to go home. Unfortunately, I experienced several more episodes of unresponsiveness, including a particularly long episode lasting nine hours, which required more trips to the Emergency Room. Fast-forward about eight months to my first appointment with a neurologist, where I finally received a diagnosis: Functional Neurologic Disorder (FND). To make sense of FND, think of the brain as a computer, complete with hardware and software. Epilepsy can cause damage to the brain’s hardware, while FND acts like a virus affecting the software. Fortunately, like computer software that can be repaired over time, there is hope for improvement with the right support and a dedicated therapy team. Finding professionals who understood FND proved to be a significant challenge, as many hadn’t even heard of the condition. Over the years, we took it upon ourselves to conduct extensive research and advocate for my sister Abby’s needs, essentially becoming her own educators and voice. Throughout the years, Abby has experienced a variety of symptoms, including sudden falls, loss of movement in different body parts, and even changes in her vision and hearing. Identifying Abby’s triggers remains a challenge, as they often appear suddenly with little or no warning. Empowered Assistance Dogs have played a crucial role in Abby’s life, helping her recognise her triggers and providing support during episodes. On Tuesday, September 13, 2022, Abby met Greg, her assistance dog, and they began training together. By Wednesday, October 19, 2022, Abby and Greg officially became a team. Since then, they have developed a strong bond, with Greg consistently supporting Abby during her FND episodes and refusing to leave her side, even in hospital settings. He has an uncanny ability to sense when Abby is tired, becoming her shadow and staying close no matter the circumstances. Since Greg joined Abby, we have noticed some positive changes; she can feel his presence during episodes, often experiencing pre-trigger sensations. However, there are still times when events occur too quickly or without clear warning for Greg to react. Today, Abby feels more comfortable venturing into the community. Whereas we previously relied on home therapy visits, she now attends clinic sessions. Although she still experiences many FND episodes, having a strong support team remains essential for meeting all her needs.
