Have you heard of "Photo Doggies for Anthony"? Well, now you will! Sixteen-year-old Anthony Lyons is undergoing chemotherapy treatments at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Anthony has acute lymphoblastic leukemia, also known as lymphoblastic leukemia; it is a cancer that starts from the early version of white blood cells in the bone marrow. A friend of the Lyons started a Facebook event that allows all animal lovers to post a sweet message with pictures of their pets to help brighten Anthony’s, and his families, day. The Facebook event is called “Photo Doggies for Anthony” and it has become a great reminder of how many people can care about a family that that they have never met. I have attached the Facebook message from the event so everyone who hasn't heard about it can know what to do and how much this means to, not only Anthony, but his family as well.

“Hi all, my friend Kristen Lyons has her son Anthony at Phoenix Children’s hospital. Some days he gets doggy visits and some he does not. They make him smile. I thought if I create this event, you can post a picture of your dog to help make him smile. His mom shows them to him and he smiles. REMEMBER: THIS IS NOT AN ACTUAL EVENT, ONLY TO POST YOUR PHOTO OF YOUR DOG FOR ANTHONY....AND....PLEASE, PLEASE NOTE WHERE YOU ARE FROM. This event has gone viral and Anthony and his mom Kristen are smiling happily. Me too.” 

“Hello animal lovers, it’s me Kristen Lyons. I first of all would like to thank Roberta Lucero-Koron Ro Joe for starting this awesome event. I also want to thank each and every one of you for sending your doggie and occasional kitty pictures. We have laughed ohhhed and ahhed at every single photo and video so far it has really been a Joy and I appreciate everyone sharing their pets with us and the personal messages to Anthony are truly awesome. He is undergoing chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia he’s inpatient right now but we will hopefully be out in a few days. I am amazed at how quickly this event has blown up and it makes me so happy to know how many people enjoy their pets as much as Anthony and I do. Your pets have brightened our days so much and it just shows you the power of pet therapy and animal healing. This just shows what great people animal lovers are and we are really feeling the love from you and your pets in this difficult time. Thank you all so much from the bottom of our hearts. Love Kris10 and Anthony P.S. Anthony turned 16 on the 26th and was home. We do go back on the 2nd though for more inpatient chemo. Thank you to everyone.” 

As you can see, this means a lot to the family. If you have a pet please share it on the Facebook event with an encouraging message! There are some examples attached below from what I posted on the wall and from what some of my friends posted too. Spread the word and the love!