Every Child Deserves a Hero — You Can Be One Today!
Now through Dec. 31, 2025, every dollar you give toward the Rikki SuperPup program will be matched, up to $15,000, by Spirit Halloween’s Spirit of Children program. Your gift today helps twice as many children feel safe, brave and cared for.
Give comfort, courage and care to a child in the hospital with a Rikki SuperPup.
A Moment No Parent Forgets
When your child is sick, nothing else in the world matters. Jana Iezzi-Tumblin and her husband, Greg, experienced that truth firsthand last year when their 2-year-old daughter, Lilly, suddenly grew quiet and feverish. Her temperature soared to 106 degrees, and the family rushed to Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH).
Their bright, singing, dancing little girl was suddenly still.
“It didn’t matter that I work at TMH,” Jana recalls. “In that moment, I wasn’t a healthcare professional — I was just a mom, terrified for my child.”
Greg felt the same. “You think you’re prepared because you’re in healthcare,” he said, “but when it’s your child, everything changes.”
Then, a nurse walked in holding something soft, cuddly — and heroic. Rikki, a SuperPup.
The moment Lilly saw her new friend, her eyes lit up. The fear in the room softened.
“That one small gesture changed everything,” Jana says. “Lilly felt safer — and so did we.”
That powerful moment was made possible by donors who believe every child deserves comfort in crisis.
What Is the SuperPup Program?
The Rikki SuperPup Program exists solely because of compassionate donors who ensure children aren’t alone in their emergency or hospital experience.
Each year, approximately 2,000 children receive care in TMH emergency centers and pediatric programs. When you give a SuperPup, you’re providing:
- A Helpful Tool for Clinical Teams
SuperPups help care teams build trust with children when words or reassurance aren’t enough. - A Loyal Companion
Throughout their medical journey, each child’s SuperPup stays faithfully by their side — sometimes even getting a cast, bandage or “shot” first to show bravery. - A Source of Courage
From procedures to recovery, SuperPups ease fears, build confidence and bring comfort every step of the way.
Rikki, The Original SuperPup
Every SuperPup carries on the legacy of Rikki, a golden retriever rescued after Hurricane Katrina. Rikki became a beloved member of the Tallahassee Memorial Animal Therapy Program, comforting thousands of patients through her gentle, healing presence.
Her spirit continues today — not only in the hospital, but in classrooms where Animal Therapy volunteers use SuperPups to help children practice reading aloud. Each child then takes home their own SuperPup as a reading buddy.
One small act of kindness can change everything.
When Rikki passed in 2017, the Animal Law Section of the Florida Bar and Pets Ad Litem began sponsoring the first Rikki SuperPups. Their support continues to this day, and they are excited to fund these beautiful new SuperPups who remind everyone of the original Rikki.
SuperPup is a product of the Vermont Teddy Bear Company and comes with a lifetime guarantee. If anything happens to SuperPup, the animal may be sent back to the Bear Hospital (Vermont Teddy Bear) to be nursed back to health.
You can provide a child with the gift of comfort by purchasing a SuperPup.
Healing Isn’t Just About Medicine — It’s About Heart
As TMH’s Chief Improvement & Analytics Officer, Jana spends her days focused on systems and outcomes. But this moment with Lilly reshaped how she sees her work.
“SuperPup reminded me that healing isn’t only about medicine,” she says. “It’s about heart — and the people who show up for children when they need it most.”
Lilly made a full recovery — and still loves her SuperPup, whom she affectionately calls her “big dog.”
“This program gave our daughter comfort when she needed it most,” Greg adds. “We’re forever grateful.”
Give the Gift of Comfort Today
Please make your gift before December 31 to help TMH meet the Spirit of Children match, ensuring every child who walks through our doors receives comfort, courage and care during one of the scariest moments of their life.
Every child deserves a hero like Rikki — and a caring friend like you.
Thank You Sponsors
Many individual donors and sponsors make the SuperPup Program possible. Thank you to these corporate sponsors:
Charter Sponsors
Sponsors
The Rev. Brant S. and Alexandra Copeland and First Presbyterian Church
Become a Sponsor
Sponsoring the SuperPup program helps ensure that every child who needs the comfort of a SuperPup receives one. At least 2,000 children, ages 2-12, come through the doors of TMH's various pediatric service areas each year. From the MT Mustian Surgical Center to the Children's Center pediatric inpatient unit, Bixler and Northeast emergency centers and outpatient pediatric rehabilitation centers, there are opportunities every day to provide SuperPup comfort for a child experiencing a difficult medical situation.
As a sponsor, your business logo will be featured on a letter that accompanies each SuperPup that is given out. You will also be featured on our website as a sponsor and receive public thanks through the TMH Foundation social media channels.
SuperPup Sponsorship Levels
- $2,600 provides 100 children with a SuperPup
- $5,200 provides 200 children with a SuperPup
- $10,400 provides 400 children with a SuperPup
Sponsorships may be paid on a monthly, quarterly or annual basis online.
1) Please enter your sponsorship amount in the “Other Amount” box and indicate the frequency of your support (monthly, quarterly, annual or one-time donation).
2) Under “Donor Information,” please indicate that your gift is being made on behalf of an organization.
3) Please email your logo in a high-resolution format to Becky.Harnden@TMH.ORG or call Becky Harnden at 850-431-4048 with any questions.
If you prefer to pay by check, you may mail a check to TMH Foundation, 1331 East 6th Avenue, Tallahassee, Florida 32303. Please write "SuperPup" in the memo line.
Thank you for bringing comfort to children when they need it most!
