Page 17 - Senior Link Magazine Winter 2017- Online Magazine

family members. Many families have to leave
their pets behind, while their children receive
treatment. That separation only adds to the
difficulty of the situation. When someone has
an ill or injured child, they are often surprised
at the comfort that a game of fetch or a hug
from Jax can provide. Many times, we hear how
much Jax has helped a family member escape
the stress, even if just for a moment. Jax has
even been known to help children with their
physical therapy. For some, the pain of physical
therapy is almost unbearable. We’ve observed
that changing the context of physical therapy,
by having Jax help with exercises, makes the
process much easier and more fun for the
patient.

Our Cancer Warrior, Eddy, has been fighting
brain cancer for over a year. He used to get
extremely anxious during his chemotherapy
treatments, until he met his new canine buddy.
Jax went to the hospital to be with Eddy during
treatments. As a result, Eddy was able to
discontinue all his anti-anxiety medications, and
he was able to finish his scheduled treatments.
Jax also kept Eddy focused, calm, and strong
when he received test results from his doctor.
Even though the test results were not what the
family was hoping for, they knew it was going
to be okay because Eddy was finding strength
to continue to fight through his friendship with
Jax. Before a 14- hour brain surgery, Jax Face-
Timed with Eddy and played “virtual fetch”,
so Eddy could remain calm, and even laugh,
before surgery.

Not only does Jax do so much for our chapter,
but he is a role model for Ronald McDonald
Houses throughout the country, who are
planning to implement House Dog programs
for their chapters. At Ronald McDonald House
Charities, we are constantly striving to provide
the utmost in care for our families, and Jax
continually helps us achieve that extra level
of comfort. This furry hero is a special part
of Ronald McDonald House Charities. His
presence here helps all of our families feel more
comfortable in this “home away from home.”

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