TROUBLE THE DOG MAKES DEBUT ON THE TODAY SHOW BRINGING HOPE FOR ALEXIS SHAPIRO

Marblehead resident Sheila Duncan, President of Larkin LTD. and co-creator  of the Trouble The Dog® brand (www.troublethedog.net), was delighted to see one of her plush toy dogs in the arms of 12 year old Alexis Shapiro during nationwide coverage on The Today Show.  http://www.today.com/video/today/54819488#54819488

 Alexis’ story has tugged the heartstrings of our nation.  She is the young girl from Texas who is improving rapidly after weight loss surgery. Alexis was a typical little girl just two years ago before she had surgery to remove a benign brain tumor.  The surgery caused Alexis to feel hungry all of the time – a rare disease that also caused her to rapidly gain weight.  When Duncan heard about Alexis, naturally she wanted to do something to help. She sent the family one of her cuddly plush toy dogs “Trouble” to give to Alexis so that Trouble could do what he does best – bring comfort to children who need comforting from their “troubles”.  

When interviewed on The Today Show, Alexis is hugging Trouble The Dog in her bed.  The surgery was successful and Alexis is now out of the hospital.  Thankfully, the diabetes has also been reversed and she no longer needs insulin.  According to Alexis’ mom, Jennifer, “People from all around the world responded to Alexis’ story, and we are so grateful for such a generous outpouring of support from giving people like Sheila Duncan and Trouble The Dog.”  

Generous donations came in from total strangers helping the family to raise over $85,000 for the needed weight loss surgery. If you wish to contribute to Alexis' fund, please go to:   https://www.gofundme.com/3onp2g

“When I read about Alexis in People Magazine, I just had to do something,” said Duncan.  “Helping children like Alexis is exactly what Trouble The Dog was born to do. Seeing her hold him from her hospital bed and hearing how much she loves the Trouble puppy brought tears to my eyes, knowing that he is providing her comfort and someone to hug.”

Trouble The Dog has a mission to help kids going through troubling times. He has been applauded as a socially conscious toy; a therapy dog and a comfort toy.

To place an order or donate a Trouble plush toy to a child who needs a comforting hug, visit: www.troublethedog.net

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