Deals & Steals on Lara's fabulous finds!

Open menu

  • Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • GMA3: WYNTK
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2023 ABC News
  • Living

8-year-old battling rare blood disorder surprised with service dog

VIDEO: 8-year-old diagnosed with rare disease gets service dog
4:23
8-year-old diagnosed with rare disease gets service dog
ABCNews.com
ByCathy Becker
March 05, 2021, 8:47 am

Mia Vane was living like many other 8-year-old girls last year -- going to school and playing soccer -- until the unthinkable happened.

Just after the pandemic hit, Mia was diagnosed with a serious form of a disease called aplastic anemia -- a rare blood disorder that damages bone marrow, so the body stops producing enough new blood cells to fight infection.

"I just started bruising after I was playing soccer," Mia told "Good Morning America." "And they just started getting all purple and stuff."

PHOTO: Mia Vane, 8, playing soccer.
Mia Vane, 8, playing soccer.
Ashley Brady

MORE: After 3-year cancer battle, 5-year-old opens lemonade stand to give back

Because of the blood disorder, Mia can't be in school and risk getting sick with COVID-19. Any injury sends her straight to the emergency room. And while medications are keeping the disease in check, the only real cure is risky -- a bone marrow transplant.

Editor’s Picks

5-year-old girl with rare disease goes to dad's basketball game after 2 bone marrow transplants

  • Mar 03, 2020

3-year-old boy welcomed home from cancer treatment by fire department

  • Nov 17, 2020

To help Mia, her aunt Blake Brady nominated the 8-year-old for a service dog from 4E Kennels Healing Hearts program, which gifts service dogs to families in need.

Brady created a moving video pointing out the reasons why Mia is deserving of a dog.

MORE: Teacher with terminal cancer gets help from colleagues repainting house for wife and kids

"It's gonna let her be a kid again," said Brady. "It's gonna free her up to be a kid."

MORE: Stranger's bone marrow donation saves 1-year-old baby girl with rare 'bubble boy' disease

Mia, who has always wanted a dog of her own, was surprised with a 10-month-old goldendoodle named Dougie by Jeanette Forrey of 4E Kennels Healing Hearts, who helped train the pup.

"What an incredible young girl defying the odds, but being knocked down again and again by something she cannot control," said Forrey. "To bring just a small amount of sunshine and comfort and companionship to help her through the darkest days and the brightest moments is incredibly exciting."

Editor’s Picks

5-year-old girl with rare disease goes to dad's basketball game after 2 bone marrow transplants

  • Mar 03, 2020

3-year-old boy welcomed home from cancer treatment by fire department

  • Nov 17, 2020
Up Next in Living—

Candace Kanavel to become 1st law enforcement officer to compete in Miss USA

September 28, 2023

How to watch the last supermoon of 2023

September 27, 2023

Joyce Abbott, who inspired 'Abbott Elementary,' honored by Philadelphia alma mater

September 27, 2023

What happened at Megan Rapinoe’s final USWNT game

September 25, 2023

Up Next in Living—

Candace Kanavel to become 1st law enforcement officer to compete in Miss USA

September 28, 2023

How to watch the last supermoon of 2023

September 27, 2023

Joyce Abbott, who inspired 'Abbott Elementary,' honored by Philadelphia alma mater

September 27, 2023

What happened at Megan Rapinoe’s final USWNT game

September 25, 2023

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2023 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2023 ABC News