Baby With Cancer Meets Hospital’s Therapy Dog—His Reaction Says It All

A toddler who was diagnosed with rare liver cancer has melted hearts on the internet after meeting a hospital therapy dog for the first time. 

His mom, Ambra Frank, posted a clip on TikTok (@ambrafrank) where little Asher sits on his father Nicholas’s lap, guiding his hand as he pets the dog. When his hand makes contact, Asher’s face lights up and kicks his legs in pure excitement. 

Ambra told Newsweek that her son had had only a few months with hepatoblastoma, a rare liver cancer that affects very few children each year. 

His symptoms included a swollen belly, nausea and fatigue. After lab tests were performed, Asher was diagnosed in November 2024. 

“Hearing his diagnosis brought heartache, I couldn’t ever fully explain,” Ambra said. “The world around me felt at a standstill, and every day felt like just trying to stay above the waves crashing down on me. Every day felt like an endless replay of what I could’ve done sooner as his mom, as if I could’ve rewritten the future myself.” 

In the months that followed, Asher endured round after round of chemotherapy, scans, and procedures. “He was so sad and in pain,” Ambra said. 

And then a furry friend walked in. Ambra was curious as to how her son would react—but nothing could have prepared her for the look on his face. 

“The day the therapy dog came in, Asher immediately lit up with joy and excitement,” Ambra said. “I cried seeing his joy because for days he was so sad … [it] broke my heart. I’ll never forget that moment and the joy it brought to our family.” 

The therapy pups became cherished friends during Asher’s hospital stays, offering comfort during a time in need. “The hospital therapy dogs will forever hold a special place in our hearts,” Ambra wrote in her caption. “He looked forward to collecting all of their cards with their pictures.” 

Ambra’s clip has been viewed over 604,000 times. Hundreds of users commented messages of support and well-wishes for Asher, who turns 2 in a few weeks.  

“Thank you for sharing all the beautiful and incredibly heartwarming moments,” one user wrote. 

“The way he lit up,” another added. 

Others were desperate for updates on Asher’s cancer journey. 

Almost a year after his diagnosis, Asher’s story has taken a triumphant turn. “Asher is doing amazing now,” Ambra said. “He rang the bell on October 3, and is now in remission. We’re focusing on healing and making his childhood extra-special.”