Allison Winn and the Stink Bug Project

Life is sometimes very hard but when you're 7 years old and told that you have a malignant brain tumor and need surgery right away, life becomes very frightening. That's what happened to Allison Winn of Colorado.

Allison had surgery and many chemotherapy treatments after the tumor was found. In some ways, she may be too young to really understand what's going on but she's a very brave and special young girl. She's also very inspiring.

Allison is now 9 years old and healthy. She's tested twice a year now to make sure she stays healthy. What's inspiring about Allison isn't her cancer recovery, it's what she's been doing to help other children going through cancer.

While Allison was recovering she began making homemade dog bisquits and selling them around her home and in front of stores. According to 9News.com, Allison has made $33,000 selling Stink Bug dog bisquits. Allison wanted to raise this money to help other children going through what she's gone through. The money is spent on pediatric cancer research and giving children with cancer a companion dog. During her battle with cancer, Allison received a companion dog through the Colorado Department of Corrections where women inmates train dogs that have been surrendered to local animal shelters.

Why a stink bug? When Allison was nearly finished with her chemotherapy treatments, she drew a picture of a stink bug and wrote the words, " bye bye Stink bug!" on a piece of paper. Her mother kept that piece of paper and now those words and her drawing are a logo for the Stink Bug Project.

Many studies over the years have shown that having a pet helps reduce stress. The Stink Bug Project states, "...we think that finding the perfect best friend during this stressful time can make a huge difference." The Stink Bug Project also helps siblings adjust to the pain and loneliness of having a brother or sister with cancer. If you go to the Stink Bug Project website, you'll find pictures of ten happy "matches" made by the Project.

The Stink Bug Project was inspired by Allison Winn and is a part of the Morgan Adams Foundation which directly funds pediatric cancer research. The research continues, the dog bisquits are being baked, and 9-year old Allison Winn has become a national hero.

If you would like more information on the Stink Bug Project or to purchase some dog bisquits to help Allison, please click here on the Stink Bug Project.

Sources: Stink Bug Project
9News.com
The Denver Post
ABC's Channel 7 in Denver