Bedford resident Larry Brookshier supports patients, especially cancer patients, every way he can to help and heal. He volunteers, brings his beloved therapy dog to Centra Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center to lift spirits and gives generously. Thanks to his support, cancer patients will soon have new victory bells to ring when they finish treatment.
At Centra Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center, it is not only Caregivers who are highly compassionate and attentive to patient needs. Generous community members, donors and volunteers like Larry Brookshier also support patients and enhance care.
The retired Bedford resident generously donates his time and financial resources to help patients, honor loved ones he has lost and heal. He also shares his beloved golden retriever, therapy dog April Sweetie, with patients, families and Caregivers at Pearson Cancer Center.
His generosity impacts patients and families on a daily basis during the holiday season and all year long.
“I have lost several family members to cancer, so I like to support patients, and especially cancer patients, as much as I can and as directly as I can,” Larry shared. “I know it’s not an easy journey and I want to do everything I can to help others. That helps me heal, too.”
Over many years, Larry has supported Centra patients and dedicated Caregivers in multiple ways, including:
• Making tribute and in-kind gifts through the Centra Foundation to support and enhance the care of cancer patients as well as hospice patients and families.
• Contributing to fundraising events such as Trees of Hope, hosted by Pearson Cancer Center. The event benefits the Centra Cancer Fund, one of over 80 funds and endowments managed by the Centra Foundation. The fund helps patients, families and communities served by the Centra Oncology Service Line.
• Volunteering at the cancer center with April Sweetie, who wears signature pearls and is every bit as sweet as her name suggests.
• Ensuring that cancer patients have a victory bell to ring when they finish treatment.
Most people simply know the man with the warm demeanor because of April Sweetie. “And that’s fine by me,” he said. “I’m just glad I can help people in our community who are going through a tough time.”
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A dynamic duo
When Larry got April Sweetie six years ago, he “knew right away” her personality was suited to the unique and impactful work of being a therapy dog.
“She doesn’t bark or growl, and nothing upsets her,” Larry said. “When she senses someone is upset or stressed, she will gently put her paw on them, put her head on their lap or lay beside them. She knows they could use the support, even when they are not showing any outward signs, and she wants to comfort them.”
In addition to lifting spirits and comforting patients, “she also helps doctors, nurses and staff who need a little stress relief,” he said.
Larry is always careful not to approach anyone who would not want a visit from his four-legged friend. For those who do, she helps to open the door for conversations about beloved pets, concerns and life.
“I have so many stories that patients have shared with me about how she has helped them during a difficult moment,” Larry said. “And people always like to talk about their pets. She breaks the ice for people who want to talk about what they are going through with someone who isn’t a doctor or nurse or staff, which can also be helpful.”
Therapy dogs like April Sweetie and community members like Larry help to create a warm and welcoming environment for patients.
He is happy to provide a listening ear, make people smile – his stated goal in life – and tell them they are not alone. He is extremely proud of April’s impact. The dynamic duo has recently been featured on the Centra podcast and in local media.
“She gives a great interview,” Larry joked. “But, seriously, supporting mental health, especially when people are going through a challenging time, is really important. April Sweetie provides a bit of comfort and joy when people need it most.”
A new victory bell
Larry is proud to help patients experience joy and relief in other ways as well.
For many patients, ringing a victory bell is an important and meaningful step in their cancer journey. At Pearson Cancer Center, friends, family members and Caregivers often join patients for the special moment in the beautiful courtyard and healing garden on the grounds.
Donated by Larry and his wife in honor of their daughter who passed away, Larry smiles each time he hears the bell ring and sometimes watches the special moment.
“I never want to interrupt, but it is nice to hear and see,” he said. “I give my wife, who has since passed, all the credit. It was a nice way to honor our daughter, and she knew it would be good for patients.”
The original bell was installed in December 2013.
This year, Caregivers approached Larry to see what he thought about a new bell that would be closer to the building and easier to access. He was “all for it.”
Thanks to Larry and the generous support of Rainbow Sandals – Larry is close friends with founder and CEO Jay Longley – a larger, upgraded victory bell is in progress. In addition to contributing to the bell project, Rainbow Sandals has also donated sandals and key chains.
The current bell will move to Centra Southside Community Hospital for oncology patients.
“I’m glad it will be easier to get to,” Larry said with a smile. “And it’s great that the old bell is going to Southside.”
His main thought about the bells? “Let them ring.”
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Next steps
As for what’s next for Larry, he plans to continue supporting patients, participating in fundraising events and volunteering.
“It’s good for me, it helps patients and April Sweetie is a real trooper,” Larry said. “We’ll keep doing what we do for as long as possible. I think everybody should help where they can.”
Learn more about ways you can make an impact: CentraFoundation/Ways-Give
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