Our Inspiring Story

Our inspiration comes from Kadence. Her strength, compassion, and love for others guide everything we do.

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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.

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Kadence & Sadie Story​

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Service Sadie's impact went far beyond Kadence. ​Sadie supported our entire family.

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And after we lost Kadence, that support did not end. She remained a steady presence as we navigated grief and loss without structured support.

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Their bond was built on trust, love, and connection. It showed us that healing is not just individual. It happens within families.

 

Our Cause​

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Our mission is simple. To change lives, one dog at a time, with dignity, compassion, and purpose.

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Kadence’s Legacy Fund exists because of what we lived through. It exists to ensure that other veteran and first responder families do not have to face trauma, illness, and loss without support.

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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.

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Carrying the Legacy Forward​

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In honour of Kadence and her bond with Sadie, Kadence’s Legacy – One Dog, One Life, in partnership with Holdfast K9, provides professionally trained PTSD service dogs at no cost to those seeking healing.

 

Every donation helps provide:

• Independence

• Emotional support

• Life-changing service dogs

 

If you or someone you know is living with PTSD, apply today and share your story. Together, we carry Kadence’s legacy forward — one dog, one life at a time.

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Maritimes Atlantic Canada

 

Our service dog trainer and program has expanded to the maritimes, New Brunswick opened in April 2026 with our Maritime President, Stephanie McMillian.

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We are now looking to open in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island as our team of volunteers expand.

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For the most up-to-date information, visit our KLF Maritimes / Atlantic Canada page.

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What Is Next on Our Legacy Journey

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April 2027 marks a meaningful milestone for the Kadence Legacy Fund.

 

We will be launching 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.

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This next chapter of our legacy is about education, healing, and connection through storytelling.

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We are currently seeking:

• Sponsorship partners for the book

• Book tour locations

• A launch venue at a children’s hospital in Ontario

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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.

 

Email Tina Gillies, Co-Founder

kadencelegacymemorialfund@gmail.com​

 

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