Day 8: From Healing to Helping

Healing came first. Helping came next.

When Leanor was seven years old, her world suddenly shifted. She was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, a rare and aggressive bone and soft tissue cancer, during the height of the COVID pandemic. Her treatment was long and grueling. She lost her hair, spent more than 150 days separated from her sister, faced countless needle sticks, and endured severe medical anxiety.

Traditional ways of managing her fear weren’t enough. Panic attacks often overwhelmed her during infusions, and no amount of distraction or soothing techniques could ease the intensity.

But something else could.
A therapy dog.

During virtual pet therapy sessions in lockdown and later through in-person visits, Paws & Think therapy dogs became a source of comfort, courage, and joy. Shadow, one of her favorite visitors, cuddled beside her during procedures and was there to celebrate her bell-ringing ceremony nearly a year later. Other therapy dogs brought hope in small but powerful moments, helping Leanor forget the infusion happening behind her or easing her tears into soft smiles.

The Paws to Heal program became a true lifeline for her and her family.

Just one week after returning home, Leanor asked how she could stay connected with the dogs who had helped her heal. When she learned that young volunteers could help at Paws & Think’s therapy dog classes, she was so excited.   

Since 2021, Leanor has volunteered regularly alongside her mom, attending training classes, assisting handlers, and growing into a confident “therapy dog expert.” She loves offering insights to new teams and being part of the supportive environment that once supported her.

Last year, Leanor experienced a full-circle moment when she reunited with therapy dog, Cooper, and his handler, Sid, who she knew from treatment. This time, she wasn’t the patient, she was the volunteer watching them bring comfort to others.

Leanor’s journey is proof of how powerful the human–dog connection can be, not only in healing, but in inspiring young people to give back.

Your generosity makes this possible.

It helps young people like Leanor move from healing to helping, and it ensures that more families facing hardship can experience the same comfort and hope.

Give joy today and create more stories like Leanor’s.