Cancer is an infuriatingly devastating disease for anyone at any age, but when children are affected, it's especially heinous. It's difficult to watch the young people in our lives (whether they be grandchildren, children, students, or nephews/nieces) have to struggle through chemotherapy, radiation treatments, and even just the fear.
Therapy dogs can play a very important part in helping these children recover. This has proven to be especially true for 16-year-old Anthony Lyons.
A Phoenix, AZ teenager, Anthony Lyons has been spending his nights in the hospital as he undergoes treatment for his acute lymphoblastic leukemia. All he wants is to live the life of a normal 16-year-old, but he's stuck in a hospital. However, whenever the therapy dogs are brought around, it really lifts Anthony's spirits. These dogs have become the bright spot in Anthony's week.
Knowing how happy the dogs made Anthony, a family friend, Roberta Lucero-Koron, decided to start a Facebook page called "Photo Doggies for Anthony" for people to post photos of their dogs to show Anthony on days he couldn't have his pet visitors.
The response has been overwhelming…way more than I would have thought! Please SHARE Anthony's story and these adorable dog photos.
H/T: Fox 10 Phoenix
Anthony told his local news station that "It really helps, the pet therapy. Like, I can be in here having a really bad day, and then one of the dogs will show up and it will be the highlight of the day.”
Since his family friend started the doggy photo Facebook group, over 300,000 people from around the world have posted their photos onto the page.
His mother said, “We've loved every second of it and we're so thankful to her and everyone else all over the country and world that has come and posted pictures to just brighten his days.”
Anthony fell extremely sick when he went on a vacation with his grandparents to Oregon. Doctors diagnosed his leukemia and began treatment immediately.
During his first day in the hospital, he was attached to two bags of chemo that ran for 24 hours. The process has been draining on him.
Therapy dogs, like the beautiful golden retriever seen here, can make a huge difference.
Fortunately, the photos of dogs and greetings of well-wishes have filled the void when no therapy dogs are on site.
Anthony has received photos from around the world — even from troops in Afghanistan.
His mother, Kristen, responded to the photos on Facebook, writing "We have laughed ohhh'ed and ahh'ed at every single photo and video so far it has really been a Joy and I appreciate everyone sharing their pets with us and the personal messages to Anthony are truly awesome."
She continues: "I will never be able to thank you all enough and all of you are the amazing people that have your best friend pets by your side day in and day out. We are so incredibly thankful for you sharing and loving your pets as much as we love ours. Thank you thank you thank you."
The photos, prayers, and positive message continue to flood in.
Head over to the Facebook page today and send your photos to Anthony to make his day!
Visit the Facebook page here.
Please SHARE!
