My name is Caitlin Racenet. I am three years old and I love to sing and dance and play. I look like a regular sweet little girl, however there is a lot hiding behind my sparkling blue eyes. I suffer from Tuberous Sclerosis Complex, a non-curable disease that causes tumors to grow in major body organs. I have several brain tumors that cause a severe, difficult-to-control seizure disorder. My mommy and daddy first noticed my seizures when I was 16 months old. I have multiple seizures every day, especially when sleeping. I stop breathing in my sleep when seizures happen, which makes Mommy and Daddy very scared. It scares me too. I don’t sleep alone. If I had a seizure doggy, then I hope the dog would make me feel better about sleeping alone and help Mommy and Daddy sleep too, because the dog will let them know when I am having a seizure. Most days I have 6-8 seizures, although sometimes I can have 24-30. I take my medicines very good, but the seizures still come, and they seem to be getting worse. I don’t like it, but I know it’s not my fault. My mommy and daddy are often scared to leave the room or do normal household things because they might not be there when I have a seizure. I know that they will think a seizure doggy is a gift to the whole family!

Source ~ AllforCaitlin

Caledonian Record

4 Paws for Ability -- their link is on my blogroll and has been since FireCrow wrote this amazing diary about this great organization in 2007 -- will be providing the dog Caitlin needs.

Dogs trained for the help Caitlin requires cost about $11,000. As of yesterday, Caitlin's family had raised roughly $4,500 toward this amount.

Not tonight.

Tonight, Caitlin's family is half-way to their goal. Thanks to all of you.

Twenty-four hours ago, I posted a little diary, in which I asked for help for Caitlin. It was posted very late, and I went to bed not too long after posting it.

During the night, many very generous kossacks gave money. After I had gone to bed, llbear donated and sent an email to 4 Paws, letting them know about the diary and the donation efforts.

And I was so thrilled to get this email from the head of 4 Paws this morning:

I was not able to post a comment because I am not a member of Daily Kos. I wanted to say thank you for your story blog and help offered to Caitlyn. It was so cool to read what you posted and all the comments. What a neat Blog. Donations have been rolling in!

I was so overwhelmed by the generosity of this community last night and today. I know how tough so many people have it, what grave financial circumstances so many of us are in. And, yet, so many people donated so generously for little Caitlin. Bless you all for your incredible generosity.

When I posted, I offered to match the donations of anyone who was in a position to give even a dollar. I am extremely fortunate to have good job security right now, and I know how much I am blessed.

But I sure wasn't expecting this: I got another email a little while ago from another kossack who doubled the entire donation -- all of yours and my match. OMG. I hope this kossack will take a bow in the comments, but I'll respect privacy and not give a name.

Just know -- my fellow kossack -- that you have helped make the life of a little girl and her family a whole lot better. And that you will be in my prayers. Thank you so much.

And thanks to all of you -- I am so blessed to be a part of this amazing community.

With tears of gratitude,

noweasels

UPDATE: I have received an email from Caitlin's mother.