Karen Konopka

Karen is asking for your help to ensure that Ruby can continue receiving the focused, professional training she needs to remain a consistent and reliable service dog.

During her senior year of college, Karen was involved in a motor vehicle accident that resulted in a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Despite the challenges that followed, Karen worked hard to complete her degree. However, the effects of her TBI intensified the symptoms of her post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), making daily life and maintaining employment increasingly difficult. Karen also began experiencing episodes of low blood sugar associated with hypoglycemia.

Ruby, Karen’s Golden Doodle, has become an important part of her life. Through extensive training, Ruby has learned specific tasks to assist Karen with the ongoing effects of her TBI and PTSD, as well as to alert her to dropping blood sugar levels.

Training a service dog to reliably recognize and respond to changes in blood sugar is especially complex and requires consistency and continued reinforcement. Karen is excited about the opportunity to work with professional service dog trainers to keep Ruby’s skills current and dependable. Unfortunately, the cost of this specialized training is beyond what Karen can comfortably afford on her own.

Ruby has already been a tremendous blessing to Karen. Her presence has helped Karen feel more confident and secure both at home and in the community. Continued professional training will help Ruby maintain the skills she has learned and provide Karen with the consistent support she depends on each day.

Every contribution, no matter the size, can make a difference. Your support can help Karen continue Ruby’s professional training and preserve the partnership that has become so meaningful to them both.

Karen and Ruby would be incredibly grateful for your support. Whether you are able to make a donation or simply share their story with others, your kindness can help them continue moving forward together.

Family and friends of Karen Konopka are raising funds through Help Hope Live to help cover uninsured medical expenses associated with catastrophic injury, including the ongoing specialized training needed for Ruby to serve Karen.

Thank you for helping Karen and Ruby continue this important journey together.

Karen has chosen to fundraise for Help Hope Live in part because Help Hope Live assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility for contributors. Contributors can be sure donations will be used to pay or reimburse medical and related expenses. To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the Give button.

For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399.

Thank you for your support!