Hi.  My name is Natalie Barnhard. I am 26 years old from Buffalo, New York.  On October 22, 2004, I went to work as a Physical Therapist Assistant and a recently licensed Massage Therapist.  In an instant my life was changed forever when the unthinkable happened.  A 500 pound weight machine fell over on top of me causing my neck to break at C5-6.  I was instantly paralyzed from the chest down.  Through extensive rehab at ECMC, as well as a specialty spinal cord center in Atlanta, Georgia I have regained use of my arms and some core control.  I continue to utilize any resources that I can, and continue to do rehab with Pilates two times a week.  My fight to gain strength and independence is not over. 

     Recently the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo helped sponsor me for a Service Dog through Canine Helpers for the Handicapped, Inc.  My new Service Dog is a two year old Yellow Lab named Gabe.  Through his training, Gabe can help me open and close doors, turn on and off lights, push door buttons, and open the refrigerator door and retrieve a bottle of water from it.  Gabe is learning to assist me when going up and down a ramp.  He also can pick things up that I have dropped and bring them to me, as well as get help for me if necessary.

      I would like to thank The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo and everyone at Canine Helpers for helping me receive my special friend.  You have  helped me regain some of my lost independence.  That is one of the most amazing gifts you could give!  Gabe has already become such an important part of my life.

      Thank you!!