Supporting a Grieving Community

Island Lutheran Church in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, quickly responded to the heartbreaking news of local high school sophomore Krystal Buck's passing. Understanding the profound grief felt by her community, the Hearts of Mercy & Compassion (HMC) team joined LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Team Zoara and quickly mobilized to offer support. Krystal had bravely battled leukemia before suffering a life-ending infection.
 
A vibrant cheerleader and active school member, Krystal's spirit left a lasting impact on her classmates. In tribute, the school administration welcomed both the heart and cross to be displayed in Krystal’s classrooms and the lunchroom, allowing her peers to share their memories and condolences.
 
Messages written by her classmates beautifully captured her essence: “Krystal was a bright light in this dark world… our sunshine on a cloudy day… always so kind and happy… she was so positive and loved by everyone.”
 
The heart and cross will be gifted to Krystal’s family, offering love and support as they navigate through this tragic time of loss.

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The school counselor at Bluffton High School reached out to LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry to be there as the students and staff learned the news of Krystal’s death. As soon the school learned LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Zoara would be there they said, "We all love Zoara, and thank you for responding so soon."
 
Zoara welcomed their hugs and touch as they sought her comfort. Zoara and her handlers visited several classrooms where Krystal was a student. It took one student to approach Zoara and then others would follow and spend time receiving her comfort and warmth. Often times the teachers would spend more time with Zoara than the students as they had seen how fiercely Krystal’s fought her battle with leukemia. Many staff members also knew Krystal’s older siblings.
 
READ MORE to learn how Zoara's team comforted the students and staff.

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