Susan B. Komen’s Race for the Cure

On Sunday, September 30, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Cubby (Redeemer – Fort Collins, Colorado) and Top Dog Bonnie Fear were invited to ride in Kathy Heiden’s Pace Car during the Susan B. Komen’s Race for the Cure in Denver, Colorado, held at the Auraria Campus in Denver. Kathy Heiden was Cubby Comfort Dog handler Joni’s sister-in-law (married to Kathy’s brother Rod) who passed away from breast cancer 10 years ago at the age of 49. Joni shared, “Rod and I invited Cubby to the race because I have witnessed the calming/comforting effect she has on people of all ages. I knew Kathy would have been blessed and comforted by Cubby during her years of treatment and would love to have Cubby ride in her mustang! The race has a variety of people who participate - survivors, family members/friends of both survivors and those who lost the battle, health care providers, etc. All have been touched by cancer in some way. I knew Cubby would make a difference in their lives and I watched that happen before, during, and after the race. There was not one moment but many moments that I witnessed! Cubby indeed shared the mercy, compassion, proclamation and presence of Jesus to all she came into contact that day!”

Donate - LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Fund

Top Dog Bonnie and Cubby Comfort Dog enjoyed riding in the pace car and visiting with many attendees. She recalls “one lady came up, just knelt down by Cubby, and hugged Cubby without saying anything. After about a minute, the woman said, ‘I just needed that, I needed to feel her energy.’ She had a very peaceful smile on her face and walked away. This was a very powerful witness for me to see. No words, just presence. That is what I see and feel a lot about our ministry with Cubby. Jesus' presence through us just showing up.”

Other comments that Bonnie heard that day were: "Oh, Cubby, I just needed you today." "She's so calm, how did you train her to be this way?" and "Thank you so much, this is what I needed today." Even a few thankful tears were shed when participants asked and heard the LCC story about bringing the Mercy, Compassion, Presence, and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need.