CSU students raise $4,600 for girl, service dog

Students at Charleston Southern University raised $4,600 to help pay for 9-year-old Abigayle Williams’ trained service dog.

Panhellenic president Stephanie Odom and vice president Kristin Addy greet Abigayle Williams and her service dog Katya.

After reading about Abigayle’s story in The Post and Courier, CSU’s Panhellenic president Stephanie Odom decided to raise money to help pay for the dog that is able to sense the girl’s seizures sometimes up to an hour before they occur. Katya, the service dog, alerts Abigayle’s caregivers and positions itself to break her fall and prevent injuries during seizures. The seizures are a result of neurofibromatosis.

Fundraising events included a carnival, bake sale, fund drive, collection areas, and hosting Abigayle and Katya during last week’s university convocation.

“Christ has instructed us to speak for those who can’t speak for themselves and provide for those who can’t provide for themselves,” said Odom.