DALLAS, March 22, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On August 23, 2010, while opening presents on his fourth birthday, Oliver Kurlinski suddenly collapsed and was rushed by ambulance to the hospital. After a week in the hospital and many tests, Oliver was diagnosed with epilepsy, a brain disorder that causes recurring seizures and affects approximately three million people in the United States.Adapting to his illness provides unique challenges to Oliver's family because he has different kinds of seizures, some big and some small. Some of his seizures can be so subtle that even a trained observer has difficulty recognizing them. During his seizures, Oliver loses consciousness and is unable to move or speak but may only appear to be daydreaming. Every day activities such as climbing, going down a slide, bathing, swimming, or even eating can become dangerous as a seizure can cause him to fall, become immobilized in water, or choke.
The family recently received news that they would be getting help from an unexpected source—a dog. 4 Paws for Ability, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, recently selected Oliver to receive a seizure assistance dog, which will dramatically improve Oliver's life by restoring his independence.
These amazing dogs are specially-trained to assist during and following a seizure. Oliver's dog will:
•Alert his parents when he's having a seizure
•Roll Oliver onto his side during a seizure, so he does not choke
•Block Oliver from walking into dangerous situations (traffic) during a seizure
•Track Oliver so he can receive life-saving treatment immediately
•Provide him with a comforting and safe presence immediately following a seizure
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