Evalette is a spunky three-year-old, full of energy and joy. She loves swimming, bouncing on the trampoline with her big sister, and exploring the mountains of Wyoming with her family. But when her appendix burst, Evalette’s world shifted. She went from joyfully playing outside to enduring days on end in the hospital—a scary start of a long and complicated medical journey.
At first, Evalette was admitted to a hospital in Northeastern Wyoming. Over her nine days there, her condition worsened and she became septic, and they quickly transferred her to HCA HealthONE Rocky Mountain Children’s in Denver. There, she spent 12 days in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) before moving to the general pediatric unit.
Evalette was just two years old at the time, and spending weeks in the hospital was overwhelming. There were new sounds, unfamiliar routines, and scary procedures. Even basic tasks like dressing changes became deeply distressing. Taysha, her mom, watched her vibrant little girl begin to shut down.
“She went a whole month without talking,” Taysha shared. “That was really hard. She didn’t want to laugh, walk, or play.”
How a Furry Friend Changed Everything
Then Evalette met Lemon, a trained facility dog at the hospital who is part of PAWS for RMC, a program supported by Rocky Mountain Children’s Health Foundation (RMCHF).
Lemon wasn’t just a distraction—she became a friend, a comfort, and a motivator. For Evalette, who has three dogs at home, Lemon was a comforting connection to life outside the hospital walls.
“Evalette loves Lemon, and Lemon loves her,” Taysha said. “Sometimes, if Lemon hears Evie’s voice in the hallway, she’ll try to leave the room she’s in just to go see her.”
Lemon helped Evalette through dressing changes, gave her the courage to start walking again, and sat quietly with her while she colored. That connection provided critical emotional support in a way that traditional medical care often can’t.
A Long Hospital Stay—With Love Along the Way
Evalette spent 52 days in the hospital during her first admission. When she finally got to go home, she needed Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) and had ostomies. Taysha knew they’d have to return for additional surgery to remove them and repair Evalette’s intestines.
But before that surgery could happen, Evalette developed a line infection and had to be readmitted. It was another scary experience, but this time, she had Lemon by her side, ready to provide the love, comfort, and presence only a dog can.
Now, after more than 89 days in the hospital, multiple surgeries, and ongoing treatment, Evalette is getting back to her usual self—the happy, playful child she was before all this.
Healing With Warm Hearts and Cold Noses
At Rocky Mountain Children’s Health Foundation, we know that emotional support for children goes a long way, especially when they’re amidst a medical crisis. From facility dogs to toys and books, this kind of comfort helps bring an element of normalcy, allowing them to just be a kid again for a while.
“Being in the hospital is hard, especially for a toddler,” Taysha said. “Lemon lit up her world and made it all a little bit easier.”
These programs are made possible by generous donors who believe every child deserves joy and comfort—especially in the hospital. Together, we are committed to easing the stress of long hospital stays for families receiving care across Colorado.
“What you’re doing is so important,” Taysha added. “It makes a long hospital stay just a little better, because kids get to experience a little bit of normal.”
Help Bring Comfort to More Kids Like Evalette
You can support the PAWS for RMC and other RMCHF programs by donating today. Your gift helps bring healing, joy, and hope to children when they need it most.
