People with terminal illnesses have a desire to do things that they want to do while they can. There is also a desire for them to do good because they want to leave a legacy.
One teenager with cancer wanted to make a significance by letting his dog be a therapy dog.
Kyle Hansen, 15 years old of Wisconsin, USA, was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer (Hodgkin’s Lymphoma) in June 2019. It is challenging for him to accept that at a very young age, he is battling a debilitating illness.
Undergoing chemotherapy sessions was Kyle’s biggest challenge. One of the things that calm him down during treatment is the presence of therapy dogs at Children’s Wisconsin Hospital.
As a young individual with a life-threatening illness, Kyle made a bucket list. One of the things on his bucket list is to make his pet dog Copper, a 2-year-old standard Poodle, a therapy dog.
Kyle took his chances by writing at the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He asked if the organization can help him train his dog to become a therapy dog so he can pay it forward. He wants to take Copper to the hospitals and give comfort to children who are battling cancer.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation fulfilled Kyle’s wish! The team sent a trainer to his home to help him and his dog to develop skills needed to make Copper a therapy dog.
Apart from training Kyle and Copper, the Make-A-Wish team also treated the duo into a private shopping spree at Bark N’ Scratch Outpost in Milwaukee. Kyle and Copper bought new dog treats, toys, and dog food at the store.
Kyle and Copper wanted to inspire others who are battling cancer. The duo plans to participate in Make-A-Wish Wisconsin’s Walk For Wishes. For every $500 of pledges they receive online, Kyle and Copper will walk five miles.
Last year, Kyle and Copper raised more than $2,800 in this event. This year, they hope to reach $3000 worth of pledges.
Make-A-Wish Foundation Wisconsin Chapter has granted more than 7,100 wishes since its inception in 1984.
Kyle and Copper, continue to put smiles on young people who are battling cancer!
Photo courtesy of jsonline.com