A 2ND ACT {helping is healing}
THE POWER
OF CANINE LOVE Unconditional and incredible Judy Pearson | Contributing Writer
For better or worse … but no dogs. That was the promise Marika Meeks made her husband, Brian, when they married. The Indiana couple went on to have two daughters, become partners in a restaurant chain and live what seemed a charmed life. And then, their life took a left turn. Despite being proactive about her health, Marika found a lump in her breast and was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer in 2013. She researched her best treatment options and found them in Arizona. It made the most sense for
Marika to come to the state alone, while Brian cared for the business and their girls in Indiana. “My cancer experience included every worstcase scenario,” Marika said. “I decided I wanted to have some kind of control in my life. Riding a secondhand bike to each of my appointments fit the bill.” That plan delivered more than she expected. While picking the bike up, the owner’s dog ran out to Marika, jumping up to greet her. In an instant, Marika felt healing and love coming APRIL 2020 | FRONTDOORS MEDIA 37
