McKenzie Hanlon has gone through a lot of things in her 22 years more than most see in a lifetime.
At 14 years old, Hanlon began to be tormented by sporadic yet incapacitating migraine headaches. Hanlon learned at 17 that she had a massive brain aneurism after visiting various doctors and undergoing various treatments, and it is necessarily required such an immediate surgery.
During the operation to assuage the pressure on Hanlon’s skull due to aneurism, the teen also had two almost fatal strokes that prompted Hanlon to be put in a medically induced coma. After a few close calls and another operation, Hanlon finally awoke from a coma, but to find that she was paralyzed on her right side and had endured vision loss.
Rather than letting this trauma moderate her down, Hanlon worked through her medical difficulties and kept up a 3.5 GPA at her secondary school. Today, she is 22 and has recovered most of her mobility because of her dedication to improving and getting stronger. But, Hanlon’s vision didn’t return. She holds some vision in her right eye, however, none in her left. Also, she experienced some difficulty in speaking because of aphasia.
While some may consider these to be impediments to their existence and future life they had envisioned, Hanlon has proceeded with her dreams and is getting ready to take on college classes.
Recently close by for her academic experience is CJ, a yellow Lab that serves as Hanlon’s guide canine and best fuzzy companion. CJ was trained and placed free of charge by the non-profit Southeastern Guide Dogs, the dog helps Hanlon to explore the world while keeping up her independence. The friendship and help the pup gives are “extraordinary,” and “life-changing” as indicated by Hanlon, who no longer needs to stress over stumbling, falling, or bumping into objects as she did when she was utilizing a cane to get around.
Aside from being a guide, canines can also be a great companion. Shiba Inu, an ancient Japanese breed, is one of the many dog breeds that can make a great pal.
Hanlon says that she walked with CJ and she could feel her stop at the curb, and it ended up having an indent. Her dog knew that it was a ‘no’ for her. Hanlon tells PEOPLE existing apart from the moment she knew CJ was the ideal guide canine for her after testing twelve others. Also, she said that CJ was clearly patient and aware.
Right then, Hanlon realized that CJ was her perfect match after such a comforting experience she had with her. In September, the dedicated canine finally joined Hanlon’s family.
“Presently, I can go walk just me and CJ with no slip-ups,” Hanlon says of one of the numerous little ways CJ has improved and made her life better, adding that the canine had improved her general mobility as well.
Following a couple of months with CJ, Hanlon has figured out her objectives for what’s to come.
She added that she wants to work in social work, but her dream job is to work at Southeastern Guide Dogs to help other people who have experienced a circumstance like her.