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Fighting For Her Life and Others – An Inspiration

April 29, 2015 by angela casullo 29 Comments

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Fighting For Her Life and Others

What An Inspiration!

We wanted to feature 9 year old Katlyn today, as she has inspired us with her selfless desire to help others, especially dogs in need. She has shown that we can all make a difference if we just try.

Little girl Katlyn in hospital smiling

Katlyn’s Story

A few months ago, she was sitting in her Canadian hospital room fighting for her life and discovered our pal Bocker Labradoodle, a beautiful therapy dog with a huge Facebook following. There was an instant connection and a unique story of friendship, kindness and mutual support began.

 .Katlyn at 7 months old in hospital

At only seven months old, little Katlyn was diagnosed with “bubble boy” disease, or severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). SCID robs the immune system of the ability to fight infections. She lacked the enzyme adeno­sine deaminase or ADA, which rids the body of toxins which destroy B and T lymphocytes in the blood (these are important infection-fighting cells).

The treatment options for young Katlyn were depressing and dangerous. They included a bone marrow transplant, drugs and injections of the ADA enzymes. Prolonged injections of the ADA enzymes risked Katlyn developing antibodies, which would render it useless.

Katlyn as a toddler in hospital

However, there was hope. Katlyn’s condition, known as ADA-SCID, was an opportunity for researchers looking to study and repair genetic defects using a new and promising procedure called gene therapy.  In May 2007, Fabio Candotti, senior investigator at the National Human Genome Research Institute at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Marylandi and his team began work to get healthy T cells with functioning ADA genes in Katlyn’s body.

TH Katlyn +therapy dog

During her treatment, Katlyn took her first steps in her sterile isolation bubble and passed the time playing through the glass with a therapy dog named Toffee, who visited the hospital.  Her life-long love of dogs began.

Finally in September of 2007, Katlyn and her family received the good news that her immune system was functioning well enough that she could finally go out into the world again.

10906384_10155060477380249_5757193805239908604_n

Sadly, the treatment she participated in at the National Institute of Health did not work longterm. Katlyn ended up back in hospital many times. After trying less invasive treatments, last July, she finally underwent a Bone Marrow Transplant. For almost a year, she underwent treatments for infections and waited for her own immune cells to kick in.

1545134_10155208742225249_3509043779009355077_n

Katlyn Met Therapy Dog Bocker Labradoodle Online

However hospital visits, surprise infections and health complications were not able to dampen Katlyn’s positive spirit.  Last winter,  Katlyn heard that a therapy dog in New York named Bocker Labradoodle, was also undergoing chemo and radiation treatments to fight lymphoma (lymphoma affects lymphocytes a little like Katlyn’s disease). Although she was sick and in pain herself, Katlyn believed that she could help Bocker. From her isolation room, she made posters and had her family and staff collect donations around the hospital.

Screen shot 2015-02-23 at 4.41.03 PM

Katlyn became an advocate for Bocker and raised $31 to help pay for his expensive treatments. She also sent him some lucky gifts.

TH Bocker + Katlyn gifts

Katlyn begged her Mom for a “Team Bocker” t-shirt and spread the news of his illness. She promoted how to help to everyone she could.

This selfless little girl and her family are truly inspiring. 

Thank you to Katlyn’s wonderful mother Daisy for empowering her. I am a big believer in the importance and rewards of getting children to think about and help others from an early age.

TH Katlyn team bocker

Her mother proudly told her “When you grow up, I know you will do amazing things to help animals”.

Katyln responded, “I don’t have to wait to grow up. There are things I can do now”.

She is already planning to contact her local SPCA to see what she can do to help.

TH Katlyn +Lucky

Bocker and his lovely Mom Marie have been in regular contact and recently surprised Katlyn on her 9th birthday with a box full of Bocker goodies! They have inspired us through the support they have given to Katlyn.

TH YTV Carlos Katlyn screen grab

We wanted to thank Katlyn for all she had done. We found out her favourite T.V. channel is YTV and her favourite Host is Carlos. We love YTV too, and Carlos just happens to be a great guy and a dog lover (he has a dog called Molly). Carlos gave Katlyn an on-air shout out and hopefully, her story can inspire other children and parents.

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The bone marrow transplant appears to have been a success so far. Recently, Katlyn was able to leave hospital and also received approval and partial funding from Health Canada to try a new drug to fight some of her infections (they agreed to pay a percentage and her family pays the rest).  Katlyn’s new medication seems to be working.  She has been able to hold her weight and is now eating a regular diet. She even jumped on a trampoline and just got a new bigger bike.

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It just goes to show that one small child and one Labradoodle can make a big difference.

We wish both Katlyn and Bocker all the best and our hearts go out to all our friends suffering from cancer or illnesses. We look forward to seeing Katlyn achieve great things.

Follow Katlyn’s progress on her Blog & Donate to the Medication for Katlyn Fund 

For Bocker’s inspirational story see our post Bocker Fights Cancer.  If you would like to donate to help Bocker’s fight so he can continue to make a difference, here is the link: https://marieshelto.wix.com/bockerthelabradoodle

 

Filed Under: News, WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Groovy Goldendoodles says

    April 29, 2015 at 12:18 pm

    My prayers will include both of them. Thank you so much for sharing this story with us.

    Reply
    • Talent Hounds says

      April 29, 2015 at 5:07 pm

      Thanks for thinking of both of them, they are both such special and inspiring individuals.

      Reply
  2. weliveinaflat says

    April 29, 2015 at 3:22 pm

    This little girl is such an inspiration. Hope they both heal well. 🙂

    Reply
    • Talent Hounds says

      April 29, 2015 at 5:08 pm

      Fingers crossed both can make a fast recovery.

      Reply
  3. Daisy The French Bulldog says

    April 29, 2015 at 3:26 pm

    I am sitting here crying my eyes out as I read this BEAUTIFUL story about such a BEAUTIFUL girl – both inside and out. I am praying for her and her family, and am so grateful that she has such a determined and caring spirit. Katlyn has such a positive outlook – we can all learn a lot of her!

    Reply
  4. Jenna,Mark “HuskyCrazed” Drady says

    April 29, 2015 at 3:40 pm

    Oh wow! What a beautiful heart wrenching inspiration. Just wow.
    ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!

    Reply
    • Talent Hounds says

      April 29, 2015 at 5:09 pm

      Thanks Husky pack, we feel the same.

      Reply
  5. Earl Lover says

    April 29, 2015 at 3:51 pm

    This brought tears to my eyes. What an inspiration. Beautiful, and my heart goes out to this brave girl.

    sumskersandearlskers13.blogspot.com

    Reply
    • Earl Lover says

      April 29, 2015 at 3:52 pm

      And, to the equally inspirational and brave dog by her side.

      sumskersandearlskers13.blogspot.com

      Reply
      • Talent Hounds says

        April 29, 2015 at 5:10 pm

        Both are inspiring and brave, it’s a very beautiful story.

        Reply
  6. Jessica Claudio, DVM says

    April 29, 2015 at 4:35 pm

    What a beautiful, loving, and inspiring story.

    Reply
    • Talent Hounds says

      April 29, 2015 at 5:12 pm

      Thanks for commenting Jessica, we hope by sharing this both Katlyn and Bocker will gain more exposure for all the wonderful things they have done.

      Reply
  7. Rachele Baker, DVM says

    April 29, 2015 at 5:48 pm

    Katlyn and Bocker are both so inspiring with their selflessness and joy in helping others. Great post.

    Reply
  8. Kim Mobley says

    April 29, 2015 at 6:44 pm

    Such a heart warming story. Prayers for both of them.

    Reply
    • Talent Hounds says

      April 29, 2015 at 7:26 pm

      Thanks so much Kim XS

      Reply
  9. Robin says

    April 29, 2015 at 9:26 pm

    What a truly inspiring little girl! That disease is so sad, but her spirit has been strengthened through it. I’m glad that she has learned to love dogs too 🙂

    Reply
  10. Angel Pip and Ruby says

    April 30, 2015 at 12:51 am

    Such a beautiful and amazing child. Thank you for sharing her story with us.

    Reply
  11. Jackie Bouchard says

    April 30, 2015 at 5:03 am

    What a great story and an amazing girl. She’s an inspiration! Helpng others can help you feel better. Sending good thoughts for both of them!

    Reply
  12. Tenacious Little Terrier says

    April 30, 2015 at 9:13 pm

    That is so sweet. Hope they both improve!

    Reply
  13. Michelle Wolff says

    May 1, 2015 at 12:20 pm

    beautiful and profound story!!

    Reply
  14. Kristen–well minded says

    May 1, 2015 at 4:24 pm

    What an inspiring little girl. I wish her the best in her endeavors to help animals! She’s doing a great job.

    Reply
  15. Diane says

    May 1, 2015 at 5:23 pm

    Prayers for both of them!

    Reply
  16. Jen Gabbard says

    May 1, 2015 at 7:24 pm

    I haven’t read such a touching story in a long, long time. The connection Katlyn has with Bocker is amazing; and to be willing to help others when you’re fighting yourself is truly inspirational. She is such a beautiful young girl – and to have already endured all of these treatments and be able to keep on fighting for her own health – and for others – is astounding. My prayers and thoughts are with team Katlyn & team Bocker and their message of hope and selflessness is not something I’ll forget.

    Reply
  17. Sand Spring Chesapeakes says

    May 2, 2015 at 2:20 am

    What a amazing girl, hugs to her and her family I hope she can stay out and about.

    Reply
  18. Fur Everywhere says

    May 2, 2015 at 1:42 pm

    This is such a sweet story. How wonderful of Kaitlyn to do something for a dog who is struggling with health issues when she has her own. This is also a teastament to her parents – they have done well to instill good values in her.

    Reply
  19. Beth | Daily Dog Tag says

    May 2, 2015 at 4:28 pm

    What an amazing little girl! Sending healing thoughts for both of them!

    Reply
  20. Jillian says

    May 3, 2015 at 4:52 pm

    This is an amazing story, thanks for sharing! Children can be the strongest and most caring individuals. I hope they both feel better soon! <3

    Reply
  21. MyDogLikes says

    May 3, 2015 at 7:24 pm

    What an inspiration she is!! Sending so many positive thoughts for continued health!

    Reply

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Talent Hounds started as a TV series exploring the changing roles of dogs and how they enrich our lives. We have grown into a Content Hub and Community for Dog Lovers. Our mission: Inspire. Connect. Inform. Entertain. I am Susan Nation - I manage the community. Kilo the cute little Black Rescue Pug is my sidekick and inspiration. Please join our community. Contact us if you have content, tips or resources to share.

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