The Dog Who Saved Her Life: Serena Sabuda de La Fé’s Journey of Survival, Science, and Unbreakable Love

When Serena Sabuda de La Fé was diagnosed with cancer for the seventh time, she could have given in to fear. Instead, she found courage in an unlikely source: the warm, steady gaze of a dog.

Today, Serena is cancer-free, a medical miracle featured in the powerful PBS documentary Shelter Me: The Cancer Pioneers. Her story is not just one of scientific innovation or sheer determination—it’s a tribute to the quiet heroism of man’s best friend. In Serena’s case, it was the love of dogs—both those in her life and those participating in groundbreaking clinical trials—that helped heal her body and restore her hope.

“It was never just about medicine,” Serena says. “It was about love. It was about connection. And for me, that connection came through dogs.”

A Breakthrough Built on Paws and Purpose

The film chronicles the revolutionary research that led to Serena’s life-saving treatment—a treatment developed, in part, through cancer studies in pet dogs. As many people don’t realize, dogs naturally develop cancers that are biologically similar to those in humans. Veterinary researchers, working with the consent of pet parents, use these trials not only to help animals but to pioneer therapies for people.

Serena’s recovery is living proof of that collaboration. “It’s humbling,” she shares. “Knowing that pet dogs, through their participation in clinical trials, were part of what saved me—it makes me love them even more.”

Healing in Fur and Friendship

While the science helped her body recover, Serena credits her personal dog with healing her heart.

During chemotherapy, when her world shrank to hospital rooms and quiet, uncertain nights, her dog never left her side. Whether curled at her feet or resting his head on her lap, he became her guardian, therapist, and companion. “He could sense when I was in pain before I even said a word,” she says. “He didn’t need to speak. He just stayed.”

It was in those moments of unconditional presence that Serena found her strength. “There were days I wanted to give up,” she admits, “but I couldn’t look into his eyes and do that. He believed in me.”

From Survivor to Advocate

Now, with National Cancer Survivor Month underway, Serena is using her story to inspire others facing devastating diagnoses. She speaks openly about the emotional toll of surviving cancer—and the light pets can bring into the darkest places.

She’s also an advocate for comparative oncology, the field that connects veterinary and human cancer research. “If we can help people and animals at the same time, why wouldn’t we?” she says.

A Message of Hope

Serena's message is simple: hope is real, even in the face of overwhelming odds. “If you’re fighting something scary,” she says, “look for love. Look for comfort. And if you’re lucky enough to have a dog, let them walk that path with you. You’re not alone.”

As Shelter Me: The Cancer Pioneers continues to reach viewers across the country, Serena’s journey stands as a reminder of what’s possible when science and compassion come together—and how the love of a dog can make all the difference.

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To watch Serena’s story, stream the PBS documentary here: PBS: The Cancer Pioneers