Page 16 - Senior Link Magazine Winter 2017- Online Magazine

HONORING SENIORS

A Four-Legged

Cheerleader

by Courtney Rodriguez

eet our Chief Cheer We know that children heal faster
Officer, Jax! Being the with their loved ones close by.
MChampion of Cheer
for Ronald McDonald House Jax is a bred and trained service dog
Charities of the Southwest means awarded to the Ronald McDonald
Jax is around lots of different House Charities of the Southwest
children, each with unique needs. by Guide Dogs for the Blind. Jax
He loves spreading comfort, makes many hospital visits to sick
joy, and love to everyone he and injured children and provides
encounters. Whether he is playing motivation for them. His calming
fetch for fun or therapy, giving presence is often a welcome
affectionate attention to a buddy in distraction from their difficult
a wheelchair, or sharing “smiles” circumstances, especially when
with a parent, a doctor, or even a they’re not feeling well.
school orchestra . . Our 6-year-old Cancer Warrior,
. Jax brightens the Hunter, has been fighting this
day of everyone he serious illness for quite a while.
meets! Coming to Lubbock for his

The Ronald scheduled chemotherapy treatments
McDonald House was especially hard for him until
is located in he met Jax. The two have become
Lubbock and was great friends. Now his parents have
established in only to tell their young son they are
1988. Originally, coming to Lubbock to visit Jax, and
it had 9 guest Hunter beats everyone to the car!
rooms. Since then, Jax visits Hunter in the hospital
it has expanded during his treatments and has even
to 17 rooms, in been known to show up as Hunter’s
order to meet the favorite superhero, Batman. When
growing needs of Hunter is able to leave the hospital
the families served. and come to the Ronald McDonald
Over 450 families House, he enjoys reading books
per year stay at the with Jax. Hunter loves Jax and often
Ronald McDonald sends him letters from home – just
House for an to let Jax know he is thinking about
average of 7-9 him.
nights. “Keeping
Families Close” is Our Chief Cheer Officer is here
an essential value for anyone who needs him. He
of our organization. often plays with siblings and other

16 Lubbock Senior Link