Imagine facing a complex medical mystery, enduring years of uncertainty and intense hospital stays. This was Veronica’s (also called Vero), reality, a brave young girl whose journey with Partial Cortical Dysplasia Epilepsia Partialis Continua with Intractable Epilepsy began subtly in October 2022.
It started with jerking movements on her right side, initially dismissed as tics by an ER. But her symptoms persisted, leading to a frustrating two-year search for answers. Despite numerous doctor visits across various specialties, MRIs, and EEGs, all tests returned negative, leaving her family desperate for a diagnosis.
By March 2024, Vero began sensing auras—seeing spots and feeling tingling in her right arm and leg—a new, distressing symptom. Vero's parents sought a second opinion, finding a Movement Disorder Specialist at Mount Sinai, Naomi Lubarr, MD. Dr. Lubarr suspected epilepsy, and meticulous tracking revealed a pattern: Vero's episodes worsened with sleep deprivation or illness. A critical turning point arrived in early March 2025. A combination of sleep deprivation and a stomach bug led to daily, increasingly severe episodes. On March 11th, Vero was admitted to Mount Sinai Emergency Room, her movements stronger than ever. Finally, an EEG confirmed seizure activity.
Vero's seizures were unusual; she remained alert and conscious, with twitching primarily on her right side, lasting anywhere from two minutes to an agonizing three hours. Despite trying multiple seizure medications for ten days, her condition didn't improve, and she even developed an allergic reaction. Her five-week hospitalization was incredibly challenging, filled with procedures and uncertainty.
But amidst this medical intensity, a transformative presence emerged: Summer, a facility dog from the Mount Sinai's Paws & Play program within the Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department and her primary handler and board-certified child life specialist, Bethany Pincus, MA, LCAT, MT-BC.
The moment Vero met Summer, an instant, unexplainable bond formed. Summer became Vero's steadfast companion, a source of profound comfort and joy. She was there almost every day, offering unwavering support before and after every scan, test, and procedure. For Vero, Summer's visits were often the single most anticipated event of her day, providing a vital emotional anchor during a difficult time. Vero would even request to be woken from naps to ensure she didn't miss a precious moment with her furry friend. Summer's gentle presence offered a much-needed distraction, a calming paw, and a loving connection that transcended Vero's medical struggles. Her family expressed profound gratitude for Canine Assistants and Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital for providing Summer and Bethany's incredible support, which truly exceeded their expectations.
Vero's mom eloquently described Summer as "the ray of sunshine in the darkest days," expressing profound gratitude for the Mount Sinai Paws & Play program. This initiative, she noted, "brought relief and joy during the time my daughter needed it most." Vero's remarkable bond with Summer powerfully illustrates how Paws & Play dogs provide comfort and healing to children facing complex medical challenges. It is precisely these moments of solace and connection, facilitated by dogs like Summer, that your generous support makes possible.
On the Road to Recovery
Though Vero is still undergoing outpatient therapy and regular follow-ups with her surgical team, she has successfully returned to school. She is steadily regaining her strength and eagerly anticipates getting back to her favorite activities: playing soccer, practicing the violin, singing, and swimming.
