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     During an intermission at the 2023 Mayo Clinic Student Research Symposium, I found myself “cracking up” in a circle of new acquaintances. Among them was long-time volunteer and benefactor of Mayo Clinic, Sandy Pobanz. We exchanged life experiences, jokes, and viewpoints on various research topics. Quickly united by a shared sense of humor, fierce independence, and a “never give up” attitude, Sandy and I soon became friends!

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     I was consistently inspired by her generous spirit and dedication to helping others. Her numerous philanthropic endeavors are rooted in lessons gleaned from her parents, Wilbur and Grace Pobanz. Sandy recalls them saying, “If you’ve been blessed, bless others.” After Mayo Clinic provided both Wilbur and Grace with extensive, compassionate care – beginning in August 1942 – they designated an estate gift to Mayo. In 2004, Sandy established the Wilbur T. and Grace C. Pobanz Predoctoral Fellowship Fund at Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (MCGSBS). The first of its kind at MCGSBS, the endowment has funded five research students. Two are associate professors, two are research scientists, and the fifth is graduating with her Ph.D. in February 2025.

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     When I called to tell her I had established the KIDS MATER TOO Foundation, the stories and statistics I shared were not merely heard; they were felt. My passion, hope, fear, and frustration were all echoed. In fact, Sandy had witnessed the fight against pediatric cancer firsthand. In 2012, she and her 2-year-old golden retriever named Benji joined the Caring Canines program at Mayo Clinic in Arizona. As a certified therapy dog, Benji’s job description was simple, but his impact was ineffable. For nine years, he was the calm during the storm for countless children as they braved their cancer treatments. He primarily strolled the halls and rooms of the radiation oncology department. Radiation therapy, while not painful per se, often requires the use of an exceptionally tight-fitting mask or mold to immobilize the patient for the treatment. This induces fear and anxiety in many patients, especially children. Without fail, Benji was the perfect prescription. He also had a profound effect on patients’ families and the medical staff, effortlessly quieting their worries and lifting their spirits. 

 

“Benji had an uncanny gift for knowing exactly what a child needed. He was never too energetic

or unfocused. He simply rested his head against them and provided steady, healing comfort. Dogs

offer a unique sense of peace and companionship. I believe Benji soothed his friends in a way only

he could.” - Sandy Pobanz

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     Sandy’s experience volunteering with pediatric cancer patients surprised and changed her in unexpected ways. She was shocked to see how many children were affected by cancer. Pediatric cancer is often referred to as “rare”. Seeing floods of children with it each day, Sandy soon realized this wasn’t true. She was inspired by how strong the kids were as they endured their treatments and amazed at the strength of their parents as they navigated the unimaginable. Finally, Sandy came to understand the depth of respect, empathy, and knowledge required to care for a child with cancer.

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     Fueled by the triumphs and tragedies she and Benji observed of children affected by cancer, Sandy didn’t hesitate to support KIDS MATER TOO. We are profoundly grateful for her unyielding faith in our ability to find and fund more effective treatments for pediatric DMG.

 

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“Volunteering with pediatric cancer patients changed my life…”