CBS 8 Give-A-Thon next week funds Rady Children’s first therapy dog program for hospitalized patients needing comfort.

SAN DIEGO — Nine-year-old Mikayla Cohen’s face lights up when she sees Fetchy, a 3-year-old golden doodle who has become her constant companion and source of comfort.

“He’s just cute, mostly a rascal,” Mikayla says, laughing as she thinks about her dog.

That laughter brings immeasurable joy to her parents, Marc and Melissa Cohen, who have watched their daughter endure years of medical challenges.

“He really gives her so much comfort and compassion—he’s her best friend,” Marc Cohen said.

Mikayla’s journey began with a life-threatening diagnosis just hours after birth. Born with Tetralogy of Fallot, a rare congenital heart defect affecting fewer than 20,000 babies annually in the United States, she was immediately rushed to Rady Children’s Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

The diagnosis led to three major heart surgeries, with the final procedure at 10 months old requiring nearly two months in intensive care on life support. Mikayla spent the first three years of her life more in the hospital than out.

“It’s hard to hear your child scream and cry when things are being done, and your instinct is to shield them and protect them,” Melissa Cohen said.

During those difficult hospital stays, the Cohens watched helplessly as their baby was poked, prodded and surrounded by medical tubes. They wished their dog could have provided comfort during those traumatic moments.

“If there’s a therapy dog there to take their mind off of it and make them feel calm before any of that happens—that’s the best thing,” Melissa Cohen said.

Now, other families facing similar challenges will have that opportunity. CBS 8 is partnering with Rady Children’s Hospital for the second year to support the hospital’s first resident canine therapy program through the “Working Fur Kids” initiative.

The Give-A-Thon, scheduled for one week from today, will raise funds for three full-time therapy dogs and the child life specialists who work with them—services not covered by insurance. Last year’s donations laid the foundation for the program, and this year’s support will officially launch it.

“Kids really need that unconditional love,” Marc Cohen said.

The therapeutic power of dogs helps children feel safe, calm and motivated to recover, according to hospital officials. For patients like Mikayla, who continues to receive regular follow-up care at Rady Children’s, the program represents hope for future young patients.

“I’m just a dog person. I love dogs a lot. Dogs are fun,” Mikayla said.

Today, Mikayla thrives as an energetic third-grader who dances, excels in school —a testament to her remarkable strength and the comprehensive care she received.

CBS 8 and Rady Children’s Hospital will host their give-a-thon on Aug. 26 to raise funds for the canine therapy program. Donations can be made that day or today online.