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Brooke Mulford, like so many other kids her age, had wanted to see “A Dog’s Purpose,” but she’s been hospitalized at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and unable to make it. The 12-year-old New Jersey girl has been battling brain cancer. And so one of the movie’s screenwriters arranged for a private showing of the film, along with a very special visit from one of its stars.
“She was admitted for the pain,” Amy Mulford, Brooke’s mother, told ABC News. “It was just getting worse and worse. It’s just about trying to get her comfortable. She’s not been able to walk for three weeks now. She can’t stand anymore.”
She was diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma back in 2009 and since then has endured six rounds of chemotherapy, surgery, two stem-cell transplants and radiation. Despite all these treatments, the cancer spread to her spine. ABC News reported that Brooke had brain surgery back in January to remove a tumor.
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March has been a kinder month, however, as Brooke enjoyed one-on-one time with a special visitor. An online campaign helped connect her with Amblin Entertainment, which produced “A Dog’s Purpose,” and so screenwriter Catheryn Michon and her husband, the author of the novel that inspired the film, were motivated to reach out.
They sent Brooke a personalized copy of the book and arranged for a screening of the film at the hospital — complete with popcorn! Brooke’s extra-special treat came, though, when Tripp — one of the dogs who starred in the movie — came to visit.
“The fact that so many people came together to make this happen for her was just incredible to me,” Brooke’s mother told ABC News. “She’s gone through so much in the last eight years, but really in the last couple months.”