She is like my best friend that knows all about me. Having a service dog is not a one-way street. We take care of each other. I am her best friend too, and would do anything for her as she does for me. I am so thankful for her. Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) is a rare syndrome that struck Martina when she was 13. Her symptoms appeared out of the blue: trouble breathing with physical exertion; breaking out in hives; allergies to heat, perfumes, smoke, smells, even places. Her diagnosis took months, her treatments and hospitalizations were frequent, her prognosis totally elusive. Notes I took from her videos: When I wear my mask, people look at me and say cruel things. Can’t go to school. So many medications every single day. Take four EpiPens with me. Always covered with hives.
Spring 2019 | coastalcaninemag.com | 21