A little girl was fighting cancer. But she had Angels, both two-legged and four. But sometimes even Angels need a little help.

The words came all at once; fast. In a direct yet tired voice the woman said two sentences. “You probably can’t help them. I’m sorry to have bothered you.”

Someone likely so exhausted that she was stopping even before she started. But why? And who was “them?”

She worked in pediatric oncology. And she’d just finished another long shift. Thus the tired voice. Because just say the words “pediatric oncology” and you know it brings shivers of fear.

But it also brings goosebumps of hope.

A place where some of the bravest and strongest kids fight the toughest fights. Battling hand in hand with their medical care team. Their Angels. And that’s what this woman was. She was one of those Angels.

A Mother with a young daughter. They had it all. Including cancer. And now this young girl was going home. Home to the dog that she loved.

But the Mom had shared some problems that ran deeper than just cancer. Problems that were taking a toll both emotionally and financially. To fight back she was cutting the budget everywhere she could. Dog food was an added strain.

And that’s what brought this pediatric oncology Angel to us. To ask for the help that was needed by someone far too proud to ask for it herself. But even though there was a hungry dog she did not ask us for dog food. That was the most powerful thing.

She asked if we could help keep this family together.

The food was delivered by someone going above and beyond. By the nurse who cared. On her own time. Because does being a nurse ever end? My Mom was a nurse and I know the answer.

But that wasn’t all. Because The Pongo Fund had just received a contribution from a kind-hearted person asking us to use it for something different. Part for the animals and part for the people.

This seemed like the right time.

So along with the dog food and treats and a cushy new dog bed came an assortment of goofy gifts for a little girl. Things glittery and sparkly and shiny and that smelled good. Both inexpensive yet priceless.

Some things that made no sense. Nothing that would last long. That was the point. Laughter and smiles was the goal. Just some fun little things to bring smiles now. In this moment.

Because sometimes this moment is all we have.

And yes, there were some special things for Mom too. Because she was also in the fight of her life.

The Pongo Fund will continue helping them. We’ll do what we can when we can. For as long as we can.

But as you read this, I ask you to please remember that it is The Pongo Fund that helped. Not just me. Because The Pongo Fund is not just one person.

We’re a team of good people and I’m just one part of that team. And sometimes our team hurts too. One of our Pongo Team just had a stroke. Another had surgery. Another lost a job. We hurt right along with those we help. There’s no way around that.

Because when you care, you care. And we care.

And that’s why each one of us that Pongos understands that sometimes Pongoing means going further than just a bowl of kibble. And that’s one of the best parts of Pongoing.

We are a Pet Food Bank. But sometimes that means glittery and sparkly and shiny and funny things too. Because sometimes laughter is the best medicine.

And this is why we Pongo.

Sit. Stay. Eat. Live. Hate Cancer. thepongofund.org

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