08/18/2025
A Four-Legged Friend Who Made All the Difference 🐾💛
Three-year-old Evalette is full of life. She loves swimming, jumping on the trampoline with her big sister, and hiking in the Wyoming mountains near her home. But when she suddenly came down with intense stomach pain, her parents knew something was very wrong.
Evalette’s appendix had burst, and she became septic. She was flown to HCA HealthONE Rocky Mountain Children's in Denver and admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit where she spent 52 days in the hospital, including time in the PICU. The once-bubbly toddler went silent—she didn’t talk, laugh, or play for over a month.
Then she met Lemon, a trained facility dog and part of our PAWS for RMC program.
Lemon became more than just a furry friend. She helped Evalette find her voice again, brought comfort during procedures, and reminded her how to be a kid—even in the hospital.
“Being in the hospital is hard, especially for a toddler,” said Evalette’s mom, Taysha. “Lemon lit up her world and made it all a little bit easier.” ✨
Now, after a long stay in the hospital, multiple surgeries, and ongoing treatment, Evalette is getting back to her usual self—the happy, playful child she was before all this 💕.
Thanks to supporters like you, children like Evalette receive comfort, support, and joy during the toughest moments of their lives.
You can read Evalette's full story here: https://ow.ly/ul9H50WHL5Z
