Jaime Simpson, known on Instagram as @embracingecho, has captivated her audience by sharing her journey of living with epilepsy, severe allergies, and other health conditions. Her faithful service dog, Echo, plays a crucial role in her life, detecting seizures and anaphylaxis before she is even aware of them.
Echo’s Life-Saving Training
Echo’s exceptional training allows him to detect the early signs of seizures and anaphylactic reactions. When he senses a physical event, he immediately springs into action, retrieving Simpson’s seizure medication or epinephrine auto-injector to mitigate the oncoming attack.
Documenting the Journey on Instagram
Simpson has shared numerous videos on Instagram, documenting her interactions with Echo. These videos, while graphic in nature, provide an intimate look into her life and the vital support Echo provides. In one particularly poignant video, Simpson is seen relaxing on the couch when Echo detects an impending seizure and quickly fetches her preventive medication. Unfortunately, the medication doesn’t work in time.
Advocacy Through Personal Experience
“It’s quite embarrassing to post this but I think it’s good advocacy for epilepsy,” Simpson wrote. She described the experience in detail, noting how she could feel the seizure coming as an “aura” presented. Echo, sensing the severity, barked to alert her and others around that a major seizure was imminent. He then laid on her body to prevent potential dislocations, a technique trained service dogs use to protect their handlers during seizures.
The Importance of Echo’s Presence
“During seizures, I have no idea what’s happening. Echo is the reason for my safety and independence when I’m alone or in public,” Simpson explained. She praised Echo’s dedication and courage, especially as her seizure became more aggressive. Despite the intensity, Echo remained by her side, ensuring her safety.
Editing for Sensitivity
Simpson had to edit the video extensively as the seizure lasted longer, with the uncut footage spanning over three hours. Despite the challenging nature of these posts, Simpson continues to share her story, advocating for epilepsy awareness and showcasing the incredible bond between her and Echo.
Watch the video in full:
