Mega Doctor News
EDINBURG, Texas – Six year old Anahi Ibarra was honored by the Four Paws Animal Hospital as a ‘Vet For a Day’ after learning about her dream to become a Veterinarian. At just 5 years of age, young Anahi was diagnosed with Leukemia, a battle that she is still fighting to this day. She receives treatment at the Vannie E. Cook Jr. Children’s Cancer and Hematology Clinic, where she also serves as a child ambassador, known as a “Vannie Kid.”
The clinic first learned about Anahi’s dream to become a veterinarian after she applied to be involved in this year’s “Super September” campaign, which centers around the patients and their professional ambitions when they grow up.
See the gallery below for more images of her special day. All images are courtesy photos:
“Estoy muy feliz, muy contenta, porque se pudo hacer realidad el sueño de ella de ser veterinaria. Estamos muy contentos por el apoyo y la atención que le dieron a Anahí. Estamos muy agradecidos por esta oportunidad.” Said Diana Ibarra, mother of the patient.
Four Paws got word of young Anahi and her ambitions to become a vet and seized the opportunity to do something special for her.
“Today we had a cancer patient, Anahi, take a tour of our clinic, and we made her a new veterinarian. It means so much to us to give back to our community because we serve this community and we could not be here without [you],” said Dr. Justin Cerrelli, veterinarian and owner of Four Paws Animal Hospital.
For the staff at Vannie Cook, seeing events like these is a reminder of the power of community during a difficult time in a child’s life.
“Allowing our patients an opportunity to forget that they are receiving life-saving treatment for such a devastating illness like cancer in order for them to simply be children, is a true testament of service and humility,” wrote Yadhira Huerta, Social Worker at the Vannie E. Cook Jr. Children’s Cancer and Hematology Clinic.
“This act of kindness brings immeasurable happiness to a child facing immense challenges. Moments like this not only touch everyone’s hearts but also create memories that will be cherished for an entire lifetime. On behalf of all of us at the Vannie Cook Children’s Cancer Clinic, we have tremendous gratitude for Dr. Cerelli and all of the staff at Four Paws Animal Hospital.”
The clinic was also joined by the Edinburg Police Department and their therapy dog, Domino. This is the second time this year that local municipalities have held events honoring patients from the Vannie Cook Clinic.
“[Anahi’s] very first patient was K-9 officer Domino, who received a full check-up from the best vet in town.” The City of Edinburg wrote in a social post that went up on Thursday morning. “Anahi’s strength, smile, and love for animals inspire us all.”
About the Vannie E. Cook Jr. Children’s Cancer & Hematology Clinic
Founded in 2001, the Vannie E. Cook Children’s Cancer and Hematology Clinic is the first and only comprehensive pediatric cancer treatment facility in South Texas. The clinic has served over 12,500 families by offering compassionate, state-of-the-art care for children battling cancer and blood disorders. Our mission is to provide the highest quality treatment to children in South Texas, ensuring families can access life-saving care close to home.
