Rochester Hills woman with seizures needs service dog

20-year-old has 'cri du chat' disorder which causes seizures, but service dog could help

ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. – Kiara Williamson of Rochester Hills wasn't supposed to live past the age of 13. She is now approaching 21.

"She had her first feeding tube put in at (1 year old). Her second one put in at 5 and she had a third one put in 10 years ago. She has a total of three tubes in her stomach helping her to sustain life," said Kiara's mother, Anitra Williamson

Her challenges are a result of a chromosomal disorder called "cri du chat," meaning she is missing her fifth chromosome.

"She has had 130-plus surgical procedures. We deal with 35-plus medications a day. It takes 4 hours to get her out of the house, but this is her normal. She's happy with who she is. She loves life," said her mother.

In 2011, Kiara graduated from Rochester Adams and attended her senior prom. Yet, she still suffers from seizures nearly twice a week and a service dog could help detect her seizures and calm her everyday struggles.

"She will accompany her to school, to church, whatever Kiara is doing this dog will be right by her side," said Anitra.

Their first fundraiser for Kiara is "Pins For Paws" at Classic Lanes in Rochester Hills on Saturday, May 3, 2014 from 1-4 p.m. The cost is $20 per bowler and that includes 3 hours of bowling, shoes, pizza and pop.

There also will be a 50/50 raffle, door prizes and music. The cost for non-bowlers is $10 and that includes pizza and pop. You also can make a tax-deductible contribution at www.Firstgiving.com and search "4 Paws for Kiara".

Checks or money orders can be made payable to "Princess Kiara's Royal Court" and mailed to P.O. Box 70972 Rochester Hills, MI 48307 or make a donation to the "Princess Kiara's Royal Court" account at any Chase Bank.