Success Stories
Carissa Dalbo and Breeze

I am the mother to Carissa Dalbo, who is a beautiful, strong, and courageous 23 year old young lady. [in 2009] On November 4th, 2006, she was in a near fatal car accident and sustained life threatening injuries and Traumatic Brain Injury. She was in a coma for 6 weeks. The doctors told us she would not survive the night and if she did she would be brain dead. My husband and I decided to put our faith in God and let Him decide her fate.

Today, Carissa is our miracle. After 5 months in the hospital and 5 surgeries, Carissa is making remarkable progress in her recovery. But because of the brain injury, she suffers from symptoms very much like that of a stroke patient. She has some loss of speech and loss of the use of her right arm. She is in a wheelchair but she is able to walk short distance with a cane.

Before the accident, Carissa was so independent. She had graduated high school with a 3.5 GPA and went on to attend Aveda Institute for Cosmetology where she graduated at the top of her class. She started her first job at a Spa/Salon and had her own apartment. Quite an accomplishment for someone so young.

Carissa is attending therapy 3 to 4 times a week. She is working so hard to overcome this tragedy that has fallen upon her. I left my full-time job to become a full-time mother again and  to also be her cheerleader. She just continues to smile and is so determined to beat this. It is because of her strength and determination that I started to look into Assistance Dogs.

I contacted NLMAD. I cannot tell you the overwhelming feelings when I received a call from Karen Brown (founder of NLMAD) telling us she has a dog for Carissa. The dog chosen is a 3 year old Golden Retriever named Breeze. When we received pictures of Breeze and I showed them to Carissa, her face just lit up with the most beautiful smile and happiness in her eyes. This absolutely confirmed that this will be the greatest thing for her.

I ask that you kindly make a donation to NLMAD so we can bring Carissa and Breeze together. Thank You!