Be Kind Project

Our mission is to relentlessly deliver life-changing acts of kindness to those in need.

Be Kind Project is participating in #AZGivesDay, a 24-hour day of statewide giving, and we would appreciate your support! This year on Arizona Gives Day, Be Kind Project is raising donations to support the MEDICAL CARE NEEDS for dogs at Southwest Oasis Labrador Rescue (SOLR). SOLR is an Arizona rescue organization helping displaced Labradors and Labrador mixes find new loving homes.

Meet SAWYER:

In October, SOLR was alerted to a 2-year-old dog on the streets of Mexico who was nearly starved to death. He was rescued, named Sawyer, and quickly treated in Mexico for valley fever, tick fever, TVT cancer and malnourishment. After several months he was healthy enough to be transported to a foster home in Arizona and was adopted by a family in January! Sadly, the day after he was adopted, Sawyer began limping and acting lethargic. Days later, Sawyer lost all ability to walk or stand. He was reluctantly returned to SOLR for help and even hospitalized for fluids, antibiotics, pain medication and x-rays when he started to further deteriorate. Finally, Sawyer saw a veterinary neurologist who ordered an MRI of the spine, spinal tap, blood tests and more x-rays. It was then that Sawyer's mystery illness was finally identified as polyradiculoneuritis, a bacterial infection in the spinal fluid which was causing inflammation of the nerve roots in his shoulders. The condition was blocking the neuro-pathways between his front legs and his brain and had deteriorated his shoulder muscles. Proper antibiotic treatment was started right away, and 5 weeks after losing the ability to walk or stand, Sawyer stood up on his own and took 3 steps! From that thrilling moment, Sawyer's health has continued to improve each day as he rebuilds his strength and endurance. Thankfully, all signs point to a total recovery for Sawyer. He is just one of the many dogs in SOLR's care and it's estimated that his medical bills alone will eventually reach $7,000.

Meet BLAKE:

Blake came to SOLR after no one responded to his previous owners "free dog" ad and they decided plan B would be to leave him at the pound. Once in SOLR's care and evaluated by a vet, it was discovered that Blake had not been well-cared for. X-rays and an ultrasound confirm that he has a mass taking up 2/3 of his stomach. It is unknown if the mass is cancer, but given Blake's senior age and the size of the mass,  it is too dangerous for him to undergo surgery. Thankfully, Blake will be given the opportunity to live out the remainder of  his life as a SOLR hospice dog where his medical needs and well-being will be compassionately cared for. Blake has already learned how to use the doggy door and thoroughly enjoys an impromptu howling session when the fire trucks pass by his backyard.

Sawyer and Blake are just two of the many dogs in SOLR's care requiring costly medical intervention. Please join Be Kind Project this #AZGivesDay as we raise medical funds for SOLR and the many lucky dogs who will come after them seeking the same opportunity to live out a healthy, comfortable life in a forever home.

**Be Kind Project was established in 2020 with the mission to relentlessly deliver life-changing acts of kindness to those in need. Our focus is on animals, children and those afflicted by illness. Within these 3 areas of focus, we identify opportunities or "Projects" to help some of the more vulnerable in our community. Please visit our website to see the other "Projects" we are busy working on!

Testimonials

"Prior to the creation of the Be Kind Project: Breast Cancer Patient Assistance Fund, Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center did not have a fund specifically to help breast cancer patients in need of financial assistance with supportive care expenses not covered by insurance. This could include funding for things like diagnostic MRIs, clinical trials, genetic counseling, supportive therapies for hair preservation or stress relief, and family financial assistance to help with palliative care, bereavement or psycho-oncology services for patients, their spouses and their children."

Linda Lotz
Chief Development Officer - Oncology
Banner Health Foundation