Sofia Thomasini Mendes: A Brave Little Girl Who Fought Leukemia and Inspired a Community.2705
Sofia Thomasini Mendes was only five years old.
Despite her young age, she fought leukemia with courage and determination that inspired everyone around her.
Her bright spirit and gentle heart left an indelible mark on her family, friends, and community.
Sofia loved simple joys — laughing with her siblings, playing with her friends, and spending time with her parents.
Even while enduring pain and treatments, she could light up a room with a smile.
On June 29, 2021, Sofia passed away at Regina Hospital in New Hamburg.
Her family was devastated, losing a little girl whose life was full of love, laughter, and hope despite the battle she endured.
Though her life was short, Sofia showed extraordinary bravery, facing pain and treatment with a resilience far beyond her years.
Her absence left a void that could never be filled, a silence in their hearts where her laughter once lived.
In the weeks leading up to her passing, the region had mobilized to support Sofia.
Communities rallied, organizing blood and platelet donations to help her fight leukemia.
In Dois Irmãos, a local donor group coordinated by Sérgio Kroetz scheduled a blood drive at Regina Hospital.
Twenty-six people had committed to donating on Sofia’s behalf, a powerful testament to the love and care her story inspired.
Though her passing brought immeasurable sorrow, the community chose to honor her memory in the most meaningful way.
The blood drive continued, ensuring that Sofia’s legacy would live on through acts of kindness and support.
Through these donations, hope is offered to others still in need, helping families facing the same challenges that Sofia did.
Even in her absence, she continues to make a difference, saving lives and inspiring generosity.
Sofia’s story is a reminder of the fragility and beauty of life.
It shows how one small child’s courage can mobilize an entire community, inspiring generosity, compassion, and empathy.
Even in grief, her memory becomes a force for good, giving life to others and teaching lessons of resilience, hope, and love.
Her family continues to honor her by keeping her story alive.
They remember not just the sadness of her loss, but the bravery and heart that defined her short life.
Through each donation and every act of support, Sofia continues to impact lives, leaving a legacy that transcends her years.
Her smile, her laughter, and her spirit are remembered and cherished by all who knew her.
Though gone, Sofia Thomasini Mendes’ spirit continues to shine.
She reminds us of the power of community, the importance of giving, and the enduring impact of courage.
Her life, though brief, will forever inspire hope, compassion, and action in the hearts of all who knew her.
Through her story, families learn about the importance of support, care, and love for children facing illness.
Her memory teaches that even the smallest life can leave the biggest impact.
Sofia’s courage and heart continue to motivate communities to come together.
Her family’s hope is that through sharing her story, others will find the strength to act, to give, and to support those in need.
Her life reminds everyone that love, kindness, and bravery can make a difference even beyond a lifetime.
A Fighter’s Heart: Noodle’s Struggle and Hope.529
Sleep is a strange thing sometimes. We all know how elusive it can be. My smart watch, which I affectionately call my "Fall Down Watch" because it alerts for help if I fall, records everything about my sleep. It even gives me a rating. Last night, I got an "Excellent" rating, waking only once for less than an hour. That's progress—usually, it’s a 2 or 3-hour struggle. My watch and I have a love-hate relationship. It occasionally gives me the unkind rating: “You suck.” But hey, I’ll take the good reviews when I can get them.
This got me thinking about all the nights I’ve spent awake, over the years. You know, the ones when you’re too busy enjoying life to sleep. Babies needing to be fed, worrying over sick pets, taking care of bottle-fed puppies, or simply being excited about a new dog arriving—these are just a few of the things that have kept me up at night. Yet, this morning, even with new dogs coming, I actually got a good night’s sleep. A luxury!
As I let my special needs dogs out at 5:00 AM this morning, I couldn’t help but appreciate how much Noodle has grown. She came to me at just 4 weeks old, weighing only 2 pounds, blind, covered in glue, and in pain. From the moment she arrived, she slept in my bed. I know it’s not the usual practice for most foster dogs, but Noodle needed more. She needed all the “extra” care and attention.
At just 4 weeks, we began potty training. Yes, it’s possible, but it meant I had to listen closely, to wake up several times a night. I had to go outside with her 100% of the time because, being so tiny, she was vulnerable to any predators, whether on land or in the sky. Luckily, she was a quick learner. Within two minutes, she would be emptied out and we’d head back inside.
It feels good now, knowing I don’t have to worry about her anymore. She’s grown stronger, and I’m able to sleep without fear for her safety. It’s one of the small joys that come with fostering—a fleeting but beautiful moment.
This morning, two new dogs are coming. It’s been a long time coming. They’re part of a group of 50 dogs, kept in kennels inside an apartment. The situation is heartbreaking. These dogs are unsocialized and have never been outside. In true Emotional Rescue style, I’ve chosen the one that looks the worst off. Shortly after making that decision, I was told that this dog was kept with another in the shelter, and they shared a bond—one that made them comfort each other. I was asked if I could take them both. Of course, I said yes. Barbie is picking them up in 20 minutes and bringing them to me. It’s all happening, and I’m ready.
