Hope Comes Full Circle

How you made a difference in a little boy’s life

Hand in Paw volunteers often share that they get just as much joy out of visiting people in need as they give to others. It’s a truly unique experience – seeing the smile that comes across people’s faces when they see a dog or cat coming to visit. One that Hand in Paw volunteer Leighann Stratton never thought she would be on the receiving end of.

Volunteering with Hand in Paw was a goal Leighann had for many years, and in 2019 she achieved her dream and became a Therapy Team with her sweet lab mix, June. Leighann and June made therapeutic visits in Tuscaloosa at Southview Elementary, Martinview Assisted Living, and The University of Alabama, providing comfort and joy to adults and children alike. Unfortunately, June Bug passed away in April of 2020, but the meaningful times they had together as a Therapy Team are memories Leighann holds dear.

In October of 2022, Leighann’s 11-month-old son, Dean, was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. Suddenly, her world was turned upside down and long days were being spent at Children’s of Alabama for tests and treatments. But thanks to you, Hand in Paw’s steadfast donors and volunteers, Leighann and Dean were able to receive comforting visits from Hand in Paw Therapy Teams all throughout their hospital stay.

As soon as I knew Dean would be in the hospital, I told his Child Life Specialist we wanted a Hand in Paw visit every time we could have one. Being in the hospital, even for just a few days, really takes a toll on your mental health. Every time there was knock on the door, it was a doctor or nurse needing something from me or Dean. But when a dog and someone wearing a bright golden shirt walked in it was the best surprise! Just having a few minutes of normalcy was such a blessing," shares Leighann.

Dean’s surgery day arrived, and over 90% of the brain tumor was successfully removed! Therapy Team Stephanie and Olive visited the following day to provide some comfort after a stressful time;

That moment will be with me forever. We had just experienced something terrifying, and my anxiety was in overdrive. For those few minutes during the visit, I was able to think about something other than where we were and why we were there.

After Dean’s surgery, he received chemotherapy at Children’s of Alabama, and then proton therapy treatments at Proton International UAB. Once he was officially declared cancer-free, Dean had a celebration with family, friends, and 4 Therapy Teams where he got to ring the Proton International gong.

Dean's cancer-free celebration!

Everyone loved it and it was such a joyful memory. I will forever be grateful to HIP for giving me and my sweet Dean happiness and light in our darkest moments,” says Leighann.

YOU made this full circle moment happen! Your continued support, whether through donations or volunteer hours, makes it possible to provide hope to people like Leighann and Dean who are going through extremely difficult times. THANK YOU!

To help recruit and train Therapy Teams to visit more children and families in the hospital, please donate online at handinpaw.org/donate.