The unbreakable bond of a 6-year-old boy + Wanda the medical dog

Sponsored

Kaden Wade is a six-year-old boy who loves his friends, baseball and Wanda, the medical dog at Children’s of Alabama.

His family’s lives were turned upside down when he was diagnosed with a form of cancer called Medulloblastoma last September. But according to his mom, Kaden is taking this sickness with stride.

Read on to hear the Wade family’s story.

Coming to Children’s of Alabama

In 2023, Kaden was getting over strep throat when his mom Jamie noticed his balance was still off a couple of weeks later. One morning at school, Kaden got sick and his pediatrician suggested he come to Children’s of Alabama.

In September, Kaden’s family came to Children’s for a CT scan.

When the results showed a tumor in the back of Kaden’s brain, he was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma—a cancer that starts as a growth of cells in the brain or spinal cord and most often occurs in children.

Kaden had the tumor removed with no complications. However, after the procedure, he developed posterior fossa syndrome, which causes delays in communication, motor skills, or mood.

“You never think something like this can happen to a family member, especially your own child.

We went from a normal family routine of school, work and the baseball park. Now, it’s doctor and therapy visits.”

Jamie Wade

Even though it’s difficult being in and out of the hospital, the Wade family has never doubted the kindness of the Children’s staff.

“We could not have made it without all of the support and prayers. Our oncologist is a mom just like me and has helped us tremendously. The relationship between Kaden and Dr. Alva is like a mother and son. She treats him like her own.”

Jamie Wade

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. See the resources Children’s of Alabama provides for families like Kaden’s.

Wanda the medical dog

The family-like bond Children’s provides is largely due to Wanda, a two-year-old golden retriever part of the PetsRx Program.

For nearly two years, Wanda has brought love and companionship to kiddos like Kaden.

Thanks to a sponsorship from Nucor Steel, Wanda is an official member of the Children’s of Alabama staff.

“We met Wanda about a week after his surgery in September. He just put his little arms around her and ate it up. It was very magical.

We see her once a month when we’re admitted for chemo. Sometimes she comes to the clinic downstairs and Kaden gets to wave at her and hug her, but he loves it when she comes into the room and lays in bed with him.”

Jamie Wade

“Wanda has been a huge support in his recovery. It has really lightened the load. He’s been pricked and poked and when Wanda comes in, it’s calming just to pet her.”

Jamie Wade

Interacting with medical dogs like Wanda has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, as well as encourage social interaction. For Kaden, Wanda has served as a friend.

“Coming to Children’s every week is something you don’t usually look forward to. But knowing we’re treated like family has been a wonderful experience.

Now, Kaden looks forward to seeing the doctors at therapy and playing with Wanda. If we’re staying the night at the hospital, he goes, ‘I get to see Wanda!'”

Children’s of Alabama treats patients like family

Kaden’s mom let us know that her little wild child is taking it day by day.

She was quick to pay tribute to the doctors, nurses and staff members at Children’s of Alabama—nodding to their supportive, family-like care.

“We appreciate all [Children’s] has done. They love Kaden with all of their heart, and we love them just as much.

You can tell they love these kids, and it means so much to me that they treat my kid like their own.”

Learn more about Children’s of Alabama’s services and how they support families with sick children.

Sponsored by: