Salon fundraiser aims to buy service dog for Van Alstyne girl with seizures

Envy Salon and Aesthetics will host a fundraiser Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to raise money for a seizure-alert service dog for a local child, organizers said.

Kate’s mother described how the child’s seizures began in January and recounted that the Van Alstyne Ambulance Fire and Rescue arrived about three minutes after the family called during an ice storm. “They got there in 3 minutes. 3 minutes in the ice. So that was really great,” the mother said, adding that Kate continues to have seizures while staff adjust medications.

Organizers said the service dog would do more than provide companionship: it would alert caregivers before a seizure, retrieve medication, help protect Kate’s head and body during a fall and fetch help when needed. “I think that will help us track them a little bit better,” the mother said, noting the dog’s ability to detect seizures before symptoms are visible.

Libby Bryant, the new owner of Envy Salon and Aesthetics, said she organized the fundraiser after learning of the family’s situation. “I’m a mom of two daughters. It just hit me right in the heart and I knew I wanted to help,” Bryant said. She said friends, family and salon customers helped put the event together.

Organizers reported they have already raised about $10,000 toward a target they described as between $30,000 and $40,000, and they hope to raise roughly $15,000 at the Saturday event. Activities will include hot-dog sales, a children’s "adopt a puppy" activity with bracelet collars as prizes, a raffle, hair tinsel, karaoke with a DJ and a southern soda vendor, with some vendor proceeds donated to the fund.

The event will run rain or shine at Envy Salon and Aesthetics next to Central Social District Park. “We’ll see you there,” the mother said. Reporting for the City of Van Alstyne, Mike Shaw closed the segment.