Nora’s Sparkle of Love Project Commits $150,000 to Expand Duo Facility Dog Program at St. Louis Children's Hospital
St. Louis, MO — Nora’s Sparkle of Love Project, a St. Louis-based nonprofit, has committed $150,000 over the next three years to establish an endowment. The gift provides permanent funding for the ongoing care of St. Louis Children’s Hospital facility dogs. This endowment ensures the dogs remain healthy and fit for service by covering essential veterinary care, pet insurance, and high-quality nutrition, while also funding the regular professional grooming required within a hospital environment.
The commitment is deeply personal for Nora’s parents, Brent and Jani Bunn. Nora was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) in March 2024. DIPG is the world’s deadliest pediatric brain tumor with limited options for treatment. During Nora’s visits to Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children's Hospital, she found comfort and strength through the companionship of Duo Dog Casey, a chocolate Labrador retriever who soothes patients and their families as one of the hospital’s Duo Facility Dogs. Casey was by Nora’s side during appointments and provided crucial comfort when she endured a second round of radiation in December of 2024.
Casey’s steady presence helped ease anxiety, reduce stress, and bring moments of “sparkle” during these difficult visits.
“In the darkest moments of our journey, Casey was our Angel with paws,” said Brent and Jani. “DIPG is a horrid diagnosis. We watched our 7-year-old daughter progressively lose her ability to move her body and speak. Casey’s gentle cold nose nudges, his warm eyes, and unwavering companionship made all the difference in the midst of our family’s trauma. Supporting this program is our way of ensuring other families feel the same ‘sparkle’ Nora received from furry guardians of comfort and love during life’s most fragile moments.”
Duo Facility dogs work alongside medical teams to provide therapeutic support to pediatric patients undergoing complex and often frightening procedures. These dogs are integrated into clinical care, helping reduce patient anxiety, improve cooperation during treatments, and support emotional well-being for both patients and families. Duo Dogs* breeds, raises, trains, places, and provides lifetime support for facility dogs at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.
Through the newly established endowment, Nora’s Sparkle of Love Project aims to:
Ensure sustainable funding for the care of facility dogs at St. Louis Children’s Hospital—allowing an expanded partnership with Duo Facility Dogs.
Enhance emotional care services for pediatric patients and families.
Support handlers in their daily care of Duo Facility dogs throughout the dogs’ service.
Continue serving more than 3,000 patients throughout seven service lines at St. Louis Children’s Hospital including oncology at Siteman Kids, the St. Louis Children’s and Washington University Heart Center, and Behavioral Health Unit.
Hospital leadership expressed gratitude for the transformative gift.
“My heart is filled with gratitude for the vision and generosity of the Nora’s Sparkle of Love Project,” said Tanya Waskiewicz, St. Louis Children’s Hospital chief development officer. “Because of their support, the children we serve can experience truly personalized care including comfort, connection and snuggles from these special animals.”
Nora’s Sparkle of Love Project was founded by Brent and Jani Bunn with the mission to drive hope and healing by funding cutting-edge research and innovative technologies to treat pediatric brain cancer, while providing compassionate support and resources to families facing this devastating diagnosis. Nora’s Sparklet of Love Project is committed to advancing cures and ensuring no family walks this journey alone. By investing in programs that address the emotional as well as medical needs of children, the organization continues Nora’s legacy of resilience and compassion.
*Duo Facility Dogs are owned by Duo Dogs, Inc., an independent nonprofit partner organization. Duo Dogs breeds, raises, trains, places and provides lifetime support for all Duo Assistance and Facility Dogs at no cost to the client.
For more information about Nora’s Sparkle of Love Project or to donate to this cause please reach out to Jani Bunn, Co-Founder.
Photos from today’s event
