About Mia: 

 

Mia is one of the most remarkable beings I’ve ever come across. She endured, with the utmost happiness, a life-long breakdown of her immune system. This manifested on her skin as constant swelling, bleeding, scratching, and open wounds. Many specialists, allergists, you name it "ists" tried a number of solutions - to the tune of almost $100,000! Finally, after ten years having to wear booties, a t-shirt, and a cone, we had a formula for Mia that allowed her physical comfort.  Through all of that, she was the most loving, cutely conniving, and fulfilled little girl. It was inspiring, to say the least. I often wondered how she remained so positive.  The conclusion - she constantly did as many things to keep her happy. It was truly the success of the pursuit of happiness.  

 

​

About Me (Bradley Bewkes): 

 

I was uniquely equipped to deal with a pup like Mia as I was likewise a very ill child for the first decade or so of my life. I had debilitating asthma and allergies, which, much like Mia, put me in the hospital on numerous occasions and forced a lifetime of specialized care.  I was ‘off the charts’ allergic to dozens of things, most severely, milk, eggs, nuts, wheat, pork, fruits, dust, grasses, pollen - pretty much all things one would encounter on a normal day in rural Wisconsin.  In the early years, I had a nebulizer wherever I went.  My parents also spent a small fortune and endless hours trying to normalize my illness, and my life.  

 

My own suffering as a child was a driving force that led me to achievements I would have never imagined. I had almost perfect grades throughout school while engaging in numerous sports, work, and volunteering.  As a young adult age 21, and a single parent to a special needs puppy, I knew I needed to support this persistent girl both medically and by providing us every opportunity to pursue happiness. In the 14 years I had with Mia, I built a fashion business with rock stars, became a Manhattan landlord, was elected to public office, and became a leader at the intersection of tech and social good with Idealist.org. Together we traveled, went through relationships, and endured all the illnesses' trials and tribulations. In many ways, Mia taught me how to be a persistent puppy!