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January • 2024 ADVERTORIAL
The power of positive, solution-based journalism.
Puppies With a Purpose: Raising Future Guide and Service Dogs The world is full of ways to make a difference, and one of the most profound experiences is volunteering to raise a puppy as a future guide or service dog. These remarkable animals change and save the lives of people who are blind or have low vision, as well as veterans, active-duty military, and first responders with physical and emotional disabilities, including PTSD. Volunteering to raise these special puppies is an opportunity to be part of a life-changing journey. For individuals who graduate from programs created by America’s VetDogs and the Guide Dog Foundation, sister national nonprofits that provide services free of charge to the people they serve, these dogs play a pivotal role in empowering them to lead more independent, fulfilling lives. For people who are blind or have low vision, guide dogs help them navigate the world with confidence. For veterans and first responders dealing with the physical and emotional scars of their service, service dogs provide not only practical assistance but also emotional support, helping them overcome
the challenges they face every day. Future assistance dogs cannot be raised in kennels; they need socialization and exposure to the world they will be navigating when they are paired with their future handler. Volunteering to raise a future guide or service dog is a commitment that requires time, patience, and unwavering dedication. Puppy raisers take on the essential role of introducing these puppies to the world and laying the foundation for their specialized training. No prior dog training experience is needed. America’s VetDogs and Guide Dog Foundation are always seeking volunteer puppy raisers in the New York metropolitan region and beyond to help nurture their fantastic dogs for the first 14 to 16 months of their lives. These puppies are typically placed with volunteer puppy raisers when they are about eight weeks old, and the journey that follows is nothing short of extraordinary. The initial stages of raising a future guide or service dog involve socialization and basic obedience training. Puppy raisers
expose young dogs to a variety of environments, from busy city streets to quiet parks. They teach them fundamental commands, such as sit, stay, and come. But it's not just about obedience; it's about ensuring these dogs are comfortable and composed in various situations, ready to face the world that awaits them and their future handler. Some future service dogs are raised in correctional institutions from Maine to Florida, home to America’s VetDogs Prison Puppy Program. In this special program, with support from expert advisors, incarcerated individuals (including some incarcerated veterans) help raise and train puppies who will one day work as service dogs. Each weekend, puppies in the program go home with a volunteer puppy raiser who teaches house manners, socializes them to car rides and traffic noise, visits stores and restaurants, and lets the pup out with kids and families so that they will be confident wherever their future partner will go. After 14 to 16 months with their puppy raisers, the dogs are called
back to the America’s VetDogs and Guide Dog Foundation national training center in Smithtown, New York, to begin advanced training. At this point, they are assigned to expertly trained program staff and start a threeto-four-month training process focused on maximizing positive training methods to enhance their learning and understanding. A hallmark of America's VetDogs is the meticulous matching process to ensure that each program participant is matched with the dog that best suits that person’s mobility, personality, lifestyle, and physical and emotional needs. Once the matching process is complete, additional training helps to customize and sharpen the skills of the dog even further for their future handler. When the dogs are between 18 months and two years old, they meet their human for two weeks of training together on Long Island. Puppy raisers are invited to attend Celebration Saturday, a special graduation ceremony that is also streamed live on Facebook. And that’s when the next phase
© COURTESY OF AMERICA'S VETDOGS
of the journey begins! These incredible dogs become the bridge to a world of independence and hope for those they serve. If you're interested in becoming a volunteer puppy raiser or learning more about either organization, applying for an assistance dog, or donating, visit VetDogs.org/GH or GuideDog.org/GH
Jon Bon Jovi Named MusiCares Person of the Year Jon Bon Jovi, iconic rock figure and frontman of Bon Jovi, has been named the 2024 MusiCares Person of the Year. The “It’s My Life” singer will be honored at the 33rd
annual Person of the Year benefit gala on February 2nd at the Los Angeles Convention Center, raising money for the leading music charity, which provides essential
© REUTERS/BANG SHOWBIZ
health and human services to professionals in the industry. The artist was chosen for his "remarkable contributions" to rock and roll, as well as his work for people experiencing homelessness and those in poverty through his philanthropic endeavors. Laura Segura, the Executive Director of MusiCares, expressed her enthusiasm about honoring Bon Jovi, stating, "MusiCares is thrilled to honor Jon Bon Jovi at the 2024 Person of the Year Gala. His remarkable contributions to rock and roll have not only left an indelible mark on the music industry but also in the hearts of countless fans around the world. Furthermore, his long-standing commitment to serving food-insecure and unhoused individuals inspires us all. We're looking forward to celebrating him and the many ways he has made a difference in this world." Beyond the rock anthems that have defined his musical journey, Bon Jovi is equally recognized for his impactful philanthropy. In 2006, he established the Jon Bon Jovi
Soul Foundation, a testament to his unwavering commitment to breaking the cycle of hunger, poverty, and homelessness. This foundation, dedicated to recognizing and maximizing the potential of those affected by societal challenges, aligns seamlessly with MusiCares' mission to provide vital support to music professionals facing diverse needs. "I'm truly humbled to be this year's MusiCares honoree," the 61-year-old rocker shared. "MusiCares' work with music professionals is vitally important in creating much-needed support and wellness programs that cultivate a healthier and more vibrant community for us all." Bon Jovi emphasized the symbiotic relationship between his philanthropic work and his musical journey, stating, "Philanthropic work has been a cornerstone of my life and has always run in tandem with my music career and achievements. Nearly two decades ago when I formed the JBJ Soul Foundation and JBJ Soul Kitchens, I saw firsthand and
continue to see today the impact of charitable community-based work. I know this for sure: helping one's community is helping oneself." With this honor, Bon Jovi joins an illustrious list of MusiCares honorees, including music legends like Berry Gordy, Smokey Robinson, Joni Mitchell, Fleetwood Mac, and Dolly Parton. The MusiCares Person of the Year tribute ceremony, which takes place two days before the Grammy Awards, promises an evening of glamor and goodwill. The gala includes a cocktail reception, a dinner, and a tribute concert featuring renowned musicians and artists paying homage to Bon Jovi. Since 1991, the proceeds from this gala have contributed to MusiCares' health and human services programs, addressing the physical and mental health, addiction recovery, preventive clinics, unforeseen personal emergencies, and disaster relief needs of the music community. (Source: BANG Showbiz via Reuters Connect)
ADVERTORIAL
Stupid Cancer is Transforming the AYA Cancer Experience Nearly 90,000 adolescents and young adults (AYAs) ages 15-39 are diagnosed with cancer in the United States each year. And while research within this age group is increasing, with age-specific support becoming more prevalent now more than ever, AYAs continue to be under-represented, underserved, and under-resourced compared to their older and younger counterparts.
UNIQUE CHALLENGES FOR YOUNG ADULTS
All too often, patients are treated as pediatric patients or older adult patients, masking the unique challenges presented during this stage in life. The challenges that AYAs encounter in their battle against cancer are as diverse as the individuals themselves, further complicating their experiences. DELAYED DIAGNOSES AYAs experience disproportionately higher rates of delayed cancer diagnoses and misdiagnoses than any other age group. This crucial delay can signif icantly impact their prognosis and treatment.
CANCERCON © PORTRAITS BY KAYE
FINANCIAL STRAIN The financial burden of cancer treatment is particularly heavy for AYAs. This demographic faces higher rates of bankruptcy and often must forego crucial medical care due to prohibitive costs. Non-medical expenses, such as student loans and childcare, further exacerbate this financial distress. FERTILITY PRESERVATION AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AYAs grapple with concerns about fertility preservation and reproductive health. These essential
aspects of life can be overshadowed in the treatment process, causing emotional turmoil. SURVIVORSHIP STRUGGLES Even in survivorship, AYAs report poorer health outcomes. This includes higher rates of obesity, anxiety, depression, and heart disease. These long-term effects significantly impact their quality of life. BUILDING A COMMUNITY Stupid Cancer is a non-profit organization committed to ending isolation and building
a supportive community for those affected by AYA cancer, Stupid Cancer acknowledges the unique struggles of AYAs and the gaps in their care. Stupid Cancer's online and in-person programs provide education and tools to help AYAs through their treatment and survivorship. Championing education and empowerment, Stupid Cancer offers a range of knowledge-sharing programs, including the Stupid Cancer Stories, Stupid Cancer Meetups, and Discussion Series. These initiatives not only educate and support AYAs but also provide them with a platform to share their experiences and connect with peers who understand their unique challenges. For both patients and AYAs, having the support of their community to rely on can make all the difference. Furthering that goal, CancerCon™, Stupid Cancer's flagship event, stands as the largest gathering of the AYA community. It unites patients, survivors, caregivers, and professionals for a powerful blend of education and connection. In 2023, CancerCon featured both a digital event in
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April and an in-person gathering in Atlanta in August, with plans underway for CancerCon Live 2024 in Austin next summer. CancerCon 2023 impacted my life in so many ways! Since being diagnosed, I have struggled to fit in. I was misunderstood by the people that I loved. Attending this event has made me feel loved, seen, and motivated to keep fighting. Thank you to everyone that I met and those that hosted the event! —Cindy, 31 With Stupid Cancer leading the way, there is a community, a voice, and a platform for them to share, learn, and thrive. Looking ahead, Stupid Cancer envisions a world where everyone in the AYA community is supported, understood, and accepted—and you can help! Follow Stupid Cancer on social media to help spread the word about AYAs and their mission to make cancer suck less for them. Want to make an even bigger impact? Donate at stpdcn.cr/Donate
