Our Inspiring Story
Kadence’s courage, love, and deep bond with her service dog Sadie inspired the creation of the Kadence Legacy Fund. Through her legacy, we provide professionally trained PTSD service dogs to veterans and first responders families living with trauma, helping them find independence, healing, courage, and hope.
Honoring Kadence & Carrying Her Legacy
Our inspiration comes from Kadence. Her strength, compassion, and love for others guide everything we do.
We are also deeply grateful for the support of donors, sponsors, and partner organizations who stand alongside us. Together, we are creating meaningful change for individuals and families living with trauma.
Kadence & Sadie Story
Kadence bravely faced a five-year battle with Stage 4 Medulloepithelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer. Growing up in a military family, she understood resilience, community, and strength from an early age.
During her illness, we experienced firsthand how limited emotional and family mental health support can be during long-term medical care. After the only supports available to us were used up by veterans affairs, there were no additional options to help Kadence and our family navigate what was next to come. So we found our own way with access to a service dog.
Service Sadie came into our lives to support Kadence during her cancer treatment. She became a source of comfort, calm, and safety in moments of fear and uncertainty.
Service Sadie's impact went far beyond Kadence. Sadie supported our entire family.
And after we lost Kadence, that support did not end. She remained a steady presence as we navigated grief and loss without structured support.
Their bond was built on trust, love, and connection. It showed us that healing is not just individual. It happens within families.
Our Cause
Our mission is simple. To change lives, one dog at a time, with dignity, compassion, and purpose.
Kadence’s Legacy Fund exists because of lived experience.
This is more than a grassroots non profit. It is a promise to carry her legacy forward and to create a future where care includes the whole family.
What Is Next on Our Legacy Journey
Kady and Sadie: A Legacy Story, a children’s book inspired by Kadence’s strength and her bond with her service dog. This story is designed to help children understand, at an early age, the role of service dogs, as well as the realities of trauma, illness, and resilience.
If you would like to be part of this journey and help us share Kadence’s story with families across Canada, we would love to connect.
More Information: "The Kadence & Sadie Children's Book"
Tina Gillies, Co-Founder, CEO, and Corporate Officer
kadencelegacymemorialfund@gmail.com
