Sugar Sweetens a Teen’s Hospital Stay

Dunkin’ Dogs for Joy Grant Makes the Difference

For Tysin Porter and his mother Danielle, McLeod Children’s Hospital has become way too much like a second home.

Tysin inherited sickle cell disease and for 13 years he has been hospitalized for regular stays at the Children’s Hospital located on the campus of McLeod Regional Medical Center.

Sickle cell disease can cause many health problems such as pain, fatigue, breathing problems, infections, stroke, and organ damage. People with sickle cell disease need lifelong medical care.

Late last year, Tysin, now a teenager, was venturing through the halls trying to distract himself on day three of his week-long visit. His stays are dull while waiting on the medicine to take effect and painful with the port on the left side of his chest.

He turned the corner and was surprised to see Sugar, a beautiful, loving Golden Retriever/Lab/Poodle Mix who seemed to be smiling at him.  Everything brightened for this struggling teen.

Sugar is different than most volunteer therapy dogs. She is a facility dog specially trained to work in a healthcare setting. Thanks to a generous grant from the Dunkin’ Dogs for Joy program, Sugar has become a familiar and welcome presence for patients and caregivers at McLeod Health. Unlike volunteer dogs that visit a hospital for a short time, facility dogs are at the hospital every day with their handlers. In most cases they are used exclusively for clinical work.

Sugar can physically interact with patients to provide comfort and love. She is trained to help with tasks like teaching kids how to take medication, keeping them calm during medical interventions and providing incentives to get out of bed to walk. Sugar serves as a source of happiness and provides a sense of normalcy for patients like Tysin.

Later in his stay, Sugar came to Tysin’s hospital room, which was a surprise that really cheered him up. He had just received a dose of morphine for his pain, so it was a very timely visit. Sugar sat up on his bed and just wanted pets and snuggles. 

Research shows that animal-assisted therapy can lower stress and anxiety levels, improve blood pressure, increase patient mobility, and provide an alternative focus from pain.

But for Tysin, Sugar made the difference. “She knows how to cheer you up. Sugar will ‘flip your switch’ and help turn a difficult time happy,” shares the grateful teen. 

Tysin’s mother, Danielle, appreciates the value of the Dunkin’ Dogs for Joy grant.

“Before Sugar, Tysin was lethargic, laying around or sleeping, but Sugar got him up and around. His new attitude will help him feel better faster. Thank you Dunkin.’ ”

Sugar’s special gift for providing comfort expands beyond the walls of the Children’s Hospital. She also reaches patients throughout the McLeod Cancer Center and Intensive Care Units. During difficult days, her gentle presence, unconditional affection, and calming spirit offer hope and encouragement to patients, families, and staff alike. Sugar has become a cherished member of the McLeod Health family.