Julianna J Turcotte

Julianna Joy (12) was born with Down Syndrome. Subsequently she has received other diagnosis’ over the years such as, Autism, ADHD, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, and Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome. Collectively her diagnosis’ have presented struggles that create a perfect storm behaviorally, which hinders many aspects of Julianna’s life. Julianna struggles mostly with behavioral issues such as, critical elopement, a lack of personal safety, defiance, tantrums, rigidity, sensory issues, aggression, refusals, difficulty in transitions, lack of impulse control, as well as obsessive and controlling behaviors. Julianna struggles with sleeping in her own bed. Julianna has a difficult time accessing public spaces safely, meaning there must be more than one adult in order to leave our home in most situations. We can’t access playgrounds, shopping, movies, functions, events, or even visit friends and family due to safety concerns. It is extremely isolating for our entire family. It has been recommended to us by multiple providers, including Dr. Skotko, a leading expert in the Down Syndrome medical field, that we look into a Service Dog for Julianna. This has been on our radar for years, but it has never been an option financially. As Julianna gets older the necessity of a service dog becomes more prominent. A service dog would improve Julianna’s way of living and enhance accessibility in her life. This would give her responsibility, exercise, routine, and comfort from her daily struggles. A service dog can perform tasks that could help with Julianna’s disability. A service dog could help by performing deep pressure during behavioral episodes and medical appointments. As well as performing tasks such as nudging, alerting, tracking, harnessing, sleeping, and more. Unfortunately, even though Service Dogs can be trained and utilized as a medical life-saving tool, health insurance does not cover service dogs for people with disabilities. I already struggle with the financial hardships of raising a special needs child. Obtaining this life changing, working service dog is not going to be financially possible on my own anytime soon. Purchasing a service dog out of pocket is very difficult, as they can range from anywhere from $20,000 to $60,000. I have spent years researching this subject and it seems to be the next logical step in helping Julianna have an accessible and flourishing life in many aspects. Through research and many conversations with leading trainers and programs in the United States Service Dog Industry. I realize this opportunity will be a journey, it can take up to four years depending on the availability of dogs and the program you work with. It’s worth the wait as a service dog can give Julianna the quality of life she deserves. We are searching for the perfect service dog program in which we will be working with. Updates will be provided as they become available. I want to thank you for the continued support and contributions in creating an accessible and inclusive future for Julianna.

-Joanna Turcotte

Our family and friends are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live to in honor of Julianna Turcotte to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with a Catastrophic Illness. We have chosen to fundraise with Help Hope Live in part because donations are tax deductible for contributors and will only be used to cover medical and related expenses. Please click the GIVE button to make a donation. And please share Julianna’s campaign page on your social media platforms. Thank you for your support. For more information or questions call 800-642-8399.