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'The power of resilience' | Georgia 10-year-old girl and dog now cancer-free after battle with disease

Finnley Klausmann and her therapy dog, Flo, were both receiving treatments for bone cancer when they met, growing a closer bond that would last a lifetime.
Credit: Children's Healthcare of Atlanta

ATLANTA — A 10-year-old girl and a dog in metro Atlanta are showing the power of resilience after winning their cancer battles together.

Finnley Klausmann, 10, was diagnosed with aggressive bone cancer last year when she started experiencing pain in her right leg, revealing a tumor wrapped around her tailbone and pelvis. 

She began her treatments at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta's Scottish Rite Hospital, where she met Flo, a hospital facility dog. Flo is a part of the Children's Canine for Kids Program, which strives to comfort kids in the hospital.

Flo was also receiving treatment for bone cancer like Finnley, and they soon began growing a deeper bond.

"Their shared experience created an unlikely bond, as they found companionship in their treatment journey," a news release from Children's said. "The treatment wasn’t easy, but they knew they always had each other to lean on. Together, the two discovered the power of resilience."

Finnley rang the bell, signaling that she was cancer-free on Sept. 16 with Flo by her side. And not long after, Flo's handler got news of the clear scans as well!

Credit: Children's Healthcare of Atlanta

To learn more about Children's Healthcare of Atlanta's Canine For Kids program, click here.

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