Man, 22, Credits Family Dog With Helping Him Through Rare Cancer Battle

PARK RIDGE, IL — When Gurnee resident Jacob Gramer was diagnosed at 20 with stage 4 neuroblastoma, a cancer rarely found in adults, his family's 10-year-old chocolate Labrador retriever, Peanut, became an important source of comfort during his treatment.

Gramer, who is now 22 years old and in remission, rang the bell at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge on Aug. 7, marking the end of more than a year of intensive cancer treatment, according to a news release. Gramer said Peanut helped him cope with hospital stays, fear and isolation throughout his treatment.

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"Having a dog is such great therapy for me. I talk to her and she always listens," Gramer said. "Anytime I'm stressed, scared or upset, I go to her, and somehow, she just helps me feel better."

Gramer learned of his cancer after initially experiencing shoulder pain and difficulty walking, symptoms he thought were related to long hours exercising and working at a local outdoor and sporting goods store. When his walking became significantly worse, he sought medical attention.

"I was walking like I was intoxicated," he said.

His pediatrician referred him to a neurologist, who sent him to the emergency department at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville. Doctors discovered a tumor compressing his spinal cord and another grapefruit-sized tumor attached to his adrenal gland. Surgeons removed the spinal tumor the following day, and Gramer later learned he had stage 4 neuroblastoma, according to Advocate officials.

Neuroblastoma begins in immature nerve cells and is most often diagnosed in infants and young children, with an average diagnosis age of 1 to 2 years. The cancer is rare in teenagers and adults.

Gramer underwent radiation, chemotherapy, surgery to remove the adrenal gland tumor, a month-long hospital stay for a stem cell transplant in isolation and five cycles of immunotherapy. The treatment required repeated hospital stays that kept him away from Peanut, according to Advocate officials.

During one inpatient stay, Gramer missed his dog so much that his mother, Amy, had a life-sized pillow made using a photo of Peanut so he could have a reminder of her with him.

"That made me really happy. Peanut is one of my best friends and means the world to me. I don't think I've ever not said good night to her," Gramer said.

Gramer's experience reflects the role hospital dogs can play in helping patients through serious illness, said the Rev. Hans Martin Karrer, pediatric staff chaplain at Advocate Children's Hospital in Park Ridge. Karrer works with Drake, the hospital's black English Labrador facility dog.

"Serious illness affects every part of a person's life, not just the body," Karrer said. "The unconditional love of a dog can ease fear, loneliness and uncertainty."

Gramer now is continuing physical therapy to rebuild strength in his legs and improve his mobility. One milestone he is looking forward to is being able to join his father on walks with Peanut again.