People with terminal illnesses want to pursue their interests while they still can. These people strive to do more good because they wish to leave a legacy. For a cancer-stricken boy, he wished to make a difference by allowing his dog to be a therapy dog.
In June 2019, 15-year-old Kyle Hansen of Wisconsin, United States was diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, which is a type of cancer. It was difficult for him to understand that he was suffering from a serious condition at such a young age.
Kyle’s greatest problem was enduring chemotherapy treatments. The availability of therapy dogs at Children’s Wisconsin Hospital was one of the factors that helped him relax throughout treatments.
The teenager compiled a bucket list when he was diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. One of the items that was on his bucket list is to train his two-year-old standard Poodle, Copper, as a therapy dog.
Kyle took a risk by submitting a letter to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He requested the organization’s assistance in training his dog to become a therapy dog so that he can pay it forward. He wants to bring Copper to hospitals in order to comfort other youngsters who are dealing with cancer.
The Make-A-Desire Foundation made Kyle’s wish come true! The organization sent a trainer to Kyle’s home to assist him in teaching Copper the necessary skills to become a therapy dog. The Make-A-Wish team also provided Kyle and Copper with a special shopping spree at a pet store. Copper and Kyle purchased new dog treats, some toys, and food.
Kyle and Copper want to empower other cancer patients. The pair intends to participate in the Walk For Wishes event organized by Make-A-Wish Foundation in Wisconsin. For every $500 in online donations received, Kyle and Copper will walk five kilometers.
In this event last year, Kyle and Copper raised over $2,800. This year, they expect to collect $3000 in donations.
Since its foundation in 1984, the Make-A-Wish Foundation Wisconsin Chapter has granted more than 7,100 wishes.
Kyle and Copper, continue to bring smiles to the faces of young cancer patients!
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel