WH Resident Helps Celebrate ‘Canine Companions’

Living with multiple sclerosis isn’t easy for 57-year-old West Hempstead resident Leslie Cohen -- but it’s made easier with the assistance of her canine friend, Nardo.

Cohen is a member of the Medford-based Canine Companions for Independence (CCI), “a non-profit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly trained assistance dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships.”

The West Hempstead resident was diagnosed with MS 23 years ago, a disease that affects the brain and spinal cord, resulting in loss of muscle control, vision, balance and sensation.

Cohen first heard of CCI through her daughter, and her best friend of suggested it as well. She was invited to team training and graduated in May of 2010 with Nardo, a black lab, golden retriever cross.

In their time together, Cohen says Nardo had made a tremendous difference in her life, making her more confident about going out in public.

The disease has progressed to the point where Cohen uses an arm crutch to walk (she calls it her “cane”). She also has a manual wheelchair and a scooter which she uses to cover large spaces.

Nardo assists her by picking up dropped objects and keeping her company while she is at home while Daniel is working  Nardo can pick up Cohen’s forearm crutch and deliver it to her on command.

Cohen has a part-time job she has held for the last 21 years as a receptionist at a local business. She keeps very active, and enjoys knitting, reading, and using the computer to shop and email.

On May 9, Cohen will be an honoree at the CCI’s 11th Annual Hearts & Heroes Gala, which will celebrate the fifth birthday of the Miller Family Campus in Medford.

Cohen lives with her husband of 36 years, Daniel. She has two grown children, a son and a daughter that she and her husband are extremely proud of.