Iowa Rescue Kitten Becomes Toddler’s Guardian Angel During His Cancer Battle
When 14-month-old Axel from Iowa was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of leukemia, his world became far more difficult than anyone could imagine.
Between countless hospital visits and exhausting treatments, life suddenly revolved around fighting an illness no child should ever face.
But in the middle of all the uncertainty, Axel found comfort in the most unexpected way, through a tiny rescue kitten named Bingo.
From the moment they met, the two formed a bond that became a source of strength and joy, something Axel’s mom had hoped for and was so grateful to witness.
Axel had always loved cats. His parents, Haley and Chad, first noticed his affection when he became friends with their older cat, who wasn’t usually the friendliest.
After his diagnosis, Haley and Chad decided their son deserved a companion of his own, a furry friend to bring him comfort during the toughest moments.
That decision led them to Whiskers of Warren County, a local animal shelter. There, they met a tiny kitten who immediately stole their hearts.
Inspired by Axel’s love for the children’s show Bluey, the family named her Bingo, after Bluey’s sweet little sister. As Haley explained in an interview:
“We named her Bingo because Axel loves the kid’s show Bluey, and Bingo is Bluey’s sister on the show.”
It didn’t take long for Axel and Bingo to connect. Their friendship blossomed almost instantly. Haley watched in awe as her son and the tiny kitten became inseparable, sharing:
“They’ve been besties since the day we got her. I just can’t believe that this cat has such a bond with my son. It’s wild!”
Despite being just a kitten herself, Bingo seemed to understand Axel’s needs perfectly. On Axel’s hardest days, when treatments left him exhausted and fragile, Bingo would curl up right beside him, staying as long as he needed her to.
“I definitely think she understood that feeling and to be gentle and calm because she would lay with him on the couch for 12 hours. She did not leave his side; she just stayed wherever he positioned himself around her.”
Now, Axel is two years old and officially cancer-free. He is currently in the maintenance stage of chemotherapy, which his mom described as “less strenuous and aggressive.” With each passing day, life feels a little lighter and brighter.
Through it all, Bingo has never left his side. Their days are now filled with play, shared mischief, and the simple joy of each other’s company.
“It’s been really special to watch. They have quite a strong connection.”
The difference Bingo made in Axel’s life was so profound that Haley wanted to give back to the shelter that had introduced them.
So, when Whiskers of Warren County asked to share their story for the Petco Love Stories campaign, Haley immediately agreed.
The campaign highlights the transformative power of pet adoption, and Axel’s story was one of 18 chosen to win a grant for Whiskers of Warren County.
For Haley, Axel, and Bingo, the bond they share is life-changing. For others, their story is a reminder that the right pet can bring healing, hope, and joy even in the darkest times.
Just like Bingo found Axel when he needed her most, countless other animals are still waiting for their chance to make a difference in someone’s life. And as this sweet friendship shows, the love of a pet can truly change everything.
