Phoenix, AZ -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/31/2016 -- "I love introducing inspiring people who have changed the world in such a positive and meaningful way," said Karen Leavitt. "These women have been a ray of light and hope for children and families around the globe…providing comfort to thousands – from right here in New England to California, Haiti, Guatemala - even Africa and China."

The show will air on June 1st (5:00 PM PCT and 8:00 PM EST) and will be available on-demand within 24 hours. It will enable the audience to learn about the amazing, selfless journey that Sheila Duncan and Melanie Fleming have embarked on to help children and families. The journey all started in the eyes of a child.

In 2006, Duncan was at home with her niece, Kendra, who was only 12. Kendra experienced profound loss that year. She lost her Dad, grandmother and family dog all to cancer within a very short period of time. A program came on the TV about children with cancer. Sheila tried to change the channel, but Kendra said, "Wait! We need to help those kids!" She drew a small puppy and named him "Trouble" to help other kids with their "troubles." Sheila had a plush Trouble dog produced to bring comfort to children going through tough times.

Today, Trouble The Dog has provided comfort to thousands of families - victims of tragedies or natural disasters, patients in hospitals, children receiving services through foster care, residents of nursing homes and injured veterans. Trouble has visited with children at the Mass General Pediatric Oncology Unit, Shriners Hospitals for Children, Ronald McDonald House, Boston Children's Hospital, Dana Farber, Children's Miracle Network. St. Jude's, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt and Camp Phoenix for pediatric burn survivors.

"With everything going on in the world today, we felt that children need a message of hope and a buddy they can confide in," said Duncan.

"The Trouble plush dog provides a source of comfort for kids and the new book is a sweet story – perfect to read with your children – that inspires children to believe in themselves and follow their dreams," added Fleming.

"We are working with a several agencies and are hoping to start a program to help ease a situation when foster care needs to get involved. How great would it be to have a Trouble plush dog and book waiting for a child in every foster home?" said Duncan.

"I love to align with bright souls who are doing wonderful work," said Leavitt. "Trouble has helped so many children facing serious illness. I've learned that he can also help children who are homeless, abused, autistic or kids that just need a friend to talk to."

You can purchase storybooks or plush dogs as a birthday gift, a get well package or just to say "I Love You" or "You've Got a Friend." You can also purchase a dog or book to send to a child at a local hospital or shelter – or to any child who needs a comforting hug.

To learn more – please visit: www.troublethedog.net

About Karen Leavitt
The Sky's The Limit is a motivating, inspirational program based on Karen's journey from medical professional to patient, highlighting people from all walks of life – successful life coaches, authors, athletes and everyday people who share their journey. Karen Leavitt is a restorative coach. With her background as an accomplished career nurse, and a survivor of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Karen has a unique perspective on how to navigate life-changing events. The Sky's the Limit shares life changing events and guests share their experiences. Tune in 8PM Eastern/5PM Pacific.

About Trouble The Dog
Trouble The Dog is a children's character co-created by Sheila Duncan and her niece Kendra. Sheila Duncan is the author of two children's books: "Here's Trouble" and "Where There's Trouble, There's Hope." Sheila developed the Trouble character into a soft, huggable plush toy that is 100% handcrafted in the USA. Trouble has provided comfort to thousands of people around the world - victims of tragedies, natural disasters, patients in hospitals, residents of nursing homes, injured veterans and children who are homeless, have nightmares or just had a bad day and need a hug.

Sheila has delivered thousands of Trouble plush puppies and books to children undergoing chemotherapy and patients receiving services through organizations including The Shriners Hospitals for Children, MassGeneral Pediatric Oncology and Hasbro Children's Hospital. She works with The Ronald McDonald House, Children's Miracle Network, Meeting Street and Emmaus, a shelter for homeless families. Sheila and Trouble have helped children affected by the earthquake in Haiti and families recovering from the Boston marathon bombing. They traveled to Connecticut to provide needed comfort for children and families in Newtown. Through kindness and compassion, Trouble The Dog has been applauded by CNN and MSNBC as a "socially conscious comfort toy", a "gift that gives back" and a "therapy dog" by the Boston Herald. Sheila's mission is to continue to help people going through tough times, bringing hope to children and families around the world.

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