BNP Paribas Japan launched a new partnership with Shine On! Kids
BNP Paribas Group is contributing to the creation of a sustainable society through various initiatives across the areas of economy, employees, society, and environment.
In Japan, we invited Shine On! Kids, a certified non-profit organization and our new partner to deepen understanding of the activities of facility dogs. Following on from our support of the “Hospital Art” project, we will continue to support patients, their families, and medical professionals.
Shine On! Kids, established in 2006, operates “mental healthcare” programs for children with cancer and other serious illnesses, as well as their families, providing support to reduce their mental stress so that they can focus on their treatment in a more positive way.
After diagnosis, the process from treatment to returning to daily life can often take a long time. The organisation works with healthcare professionals to encourage children and their families who are struggling with disease.
Miko, a facility dog candidate undergoing special training, also appeared at the event. While interacting with Miko, Shine On! Kids gave an overview of animal-assisted therapy, and Keigo Usami, who had been helped by a facility dog, shared his own experience.
“Being close to the feelings of others is to accept their feelings.”
Keigo Usami talked about what the facility dog taught him, and shared his gratitude and thoughts:
“During the hard times, the only time I could forget my anxieties was when the facility dog was by my side. I could look forward to the future because the dog was fighting with me.
The facility dog could not speak but was always close to my heart and accepted my feelings. The dog taught me that being close to the feelings of others is to accept their feelings.
My wish is that facility dogs, who have saved countless patients and their families, will be introduced in more hospitals and that more people will know about them. I hope they will continue to encourage and save many more patients.”
