Noella meets her therapy dogs!
When therapy dogs came to Noella’s hospital room as the toddler was battling leukemia, her mom didn’t realize the impact a little puppy would have on her daughter.
Just past her first birthday, adorable Noella had chronic fevers. The vivacious child who started walking at 10 months old, stopped walking. Doctors told her mom, Jennifer, and dad, Jason, that Noella either had a stress fracture or cancer. The final diagnosis was cancer, and an odd form for a baby. Noella was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), a fast-growing cancer of the blood and bone marrow that usually affects adults – the average age is 65. Fewer than 10% of people with AML are children. A very special little girl, indeed.
- Noella hanging out in her favorite hangout!
Noella was hospitalized at the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital almost constantly from December, 2007 to June,
“We would go to the park and Noella would see the dogs. She didn’t really care about the swings when there was a dog around,” Jennifer said. “The therapy dogs made quite an impression on her.”
So when it came for Noella who turns 4 in October to choose her wish, a new puppy was of course her dream. And she chose an Australian Labradoodle!
- Noella and Best Friend Hippo!
After an initial overnight stay to get to know each other, Noella has her new friend Hippo home for good! And Hippo is fast becoming part of the family! “He has adapted right into our family and it seems like we have had him forever,” Jennifer said. “I am sure Hippo never realized ‘slides and park time’ could be so much fun!”
Hippo is likely to never be bored. Noella is very active and enjoys long walks – sometimes two hours! “Hippo is pooped when he gets back from his walk,” Jennifer said.
Noella still has her keepsake stethoscope, which is a reminder of her journey. She takes blood pressure on people and she’s a little “techie” in that regard, her mom says, but now she is focused on the beauty and freedom of being in remission and the fun of having a new puppy.
Noella and Hippo lounging together!
Jennifer said it’s fun to see Noella balance between Hippo as a playmate and a pet. But Hippo doesn’t seem to mind! He and Noella are becoming fast friends.
Soon, there will be another friend in the house! Noella will be joined by a little brother or sister in October!
Jennifer has enjoyed this celebratory time. Two years is a big marker for Noella’s cancer and Noella’s wish to have a new puppy comes at that time. “It puts a happy experience to it all… We explained it to Noella, that everything she has been through, this is a reminder and a wonderful gift to her,” Jennifer said.
And what a gift Noella is to us all.
