Prader­-Willi syndrome (PWS), a chromosomal abnormality, is the most common known genetic cause of life-­threatening obesity in children affecting 1 in 15,000 children. The Prader­Willi Alliance of New York held their 23rd annual conference in Syracuse from April 26th ­ 27th. Sunshine Friends, Inc. was a proud participant in this event, as volunteers and their dogs attended the conference to lend support and bring happiness to the children who attended the weekend’s events with their parents.
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There are times when an organization forms to fulfill a need in the community and then there are times when a need seeks out an organization. For years, Sunshine Friends, Inc. has been bringing love, friendship and wellness to patients, children and the elderly in Central New York.
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April 2013

Sunshine Friends, Inc. will once again be partnering with Syracuse University for their annual student “Wellness Week.” The event aims to help students reduce stress and lead a more well-balanced,healthy lifestyle during the most stressful time of their academic year.

Sunshine Friends, Inc. will be assisting students in their attempts to relieve stress by sharing with them the healing, stress-reducing benefits of our furry, pet volunteers. A group of certified therapy dogs will attend the event at Syracuse University, interacting with the students on the quad, and enjoying each other’s company.

Sunshine Friends, Inc. participated in the University’s “Paws for Wellness” event last year, with much success and with much appreciation from the students and University Staff. We were thrilled to be asked to attend again in 2013.

Any pet owner can relate to the following scene: You’ve had a stressful day. Everything seems to be going wrong. You’re moody and tense and you just want to be left alone. You come home and open the front door and despite all the stress and frustrations of the day, your mood immediately brightens upon seeing your dog. He runs up to you, wagging his tail, panting with a happy grin. He does not care that you missed your deadline at work, or that you got into an argument with your best friend, or that you blew your tire on the way home. He’s just happy to see you, and his unconditional love melts away the stress of the day as you rub his favorite spot behind his ears and watch him cuddle up to you gratefully in response.
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