Glendale (March 4, 2024) - Banner Thunderbird Hospital is pleased to announce the addition of a new member to their medical team - Gumby, a Facility Dog. Unlike Therapy Dogs, Facility Dogs play a specific role in a patient's coping and treatment plan, providing comfort, motivation, and distraction during medical procedures.
Gumby will be working full time alongside Lauren Katz, a Certified Child Life Specialist at Banner Thunderbird to provide support to patients of all ages including spending a day or two in the outpatient hematology/oncology clinic. Gumby, a two year old white poodle received specialized training from Paws With A Cause, a renowned organization based in Michigan with a local field representative in Phoenix who has trained Gumby since he was a puppy.
“We are extremely proud of Gumby for becoming the first Facility Dog for Banner Children's at Thunderbird! We know that he will be quickly an important part of the Banner team and provide comfort to so many. Being in a hospital can be scary and overwhelming for children and their families, PAWS Facility Dogs like Gumby help provide a bridge in communication and offer support to the family and the caregiving team as they navigate these difficult situations.” -says Michele Suchovsky, CEO at Paws With A Cause.
"We are excited to be the first Banner hospital to offer this unique form of care to our patients," -says Wendy Pauker, Associate Director of Child Life at Banner Thunderbird. "Dogs have a magical healing power that can truly make a difference in a patient's journey to recovery. We are confident that Gumby will have a positive impact on the lives of those we serve."
Banner Thunderbird Medical Center in Glendale, Arizona, specializes in heart care, surgical services, obstetrics and gynecology, emergency and trauma care, behavioral health, cancer care, rehabilitation, and pediatrics, including the West Valley’s only pediatric intensive care unit, pediatric Emergency department and Level III neonatal intensive care unit. Banner Thunderbird also operates a Level I Trauma Center for patients ages 15 and older. The hospital is part of Banner Health, a nonprofit health system with 30 hospitals in six states. For more information, please visit bannerhealth.com/thunderbird.
Paws With A Cause: Since 1979, Paws With A Cause (PAWS) has placed more than 3,200 custom-trained assistance dogs to enhance the independence and quality of life for people with disabilities nationally. Accredited by Assistance Dogs International and a recipient of Charity Navigator’s highest 4-star rating, PAWS increases awareness of the rights and roles of assistance dog teams through education and advocacy. For more information, visit: www.pawswithacause.org/
For further information contact us at: [email protected]