Jessica Kensky and her husband Patrick Downes, along with Jessica’s service dog Rescue, recently visited the Kennedy School and shared a children’s book the Cambridge couple has written about Jessica’s recovery from injuries suffered in the Boston Marathon bombings five years ago. They also talked about the special role that Rescue now plays in Jessica’s life.

Five years ago at the Boston Marathon, Jessica and Patrick were watching runners cross the Boston Marathon finish line when the bombs went off. They each lost their left leg below the knee. Jessica later also required amputation of her right leg.

Jessica and Rescue have now developed a very special relationship as Rescue helps Jessica navigate daily life, assisting with turning on lights, opening doors, and fetching her cellphone or her prosthetic legs, among other tasks.

Rescue entered Jessica’s life through the generosity of NEADS, Inc. (National Education for Assistance Dogs Services), who donated the 2017 ASPCA Dog of the Year to the couple. Jessica and Patrick are sharing their story and their book, Rescue & Jessica: A Lifechanging Friendship, to help spread the word about the important role that service dogs play, and the inspiring and incredible bonds that form in the process.

Thanks to Bonnie Sherman, the Kennedy School’s Read to a Child Coordinator who organized this event, and Candlewick Press who provided books for staff to have prior to the visit, Kennedy School students in grades K-3 had an opportunity to meet the authors and Rescue, listen to the couple’s children’s story, and ask questions.

Ms. Scrima’s Kindergarten class also had an opportunity to enjoy a special preview with the authors during a read aloud that Jessica and Patrick had with the students.

~Somerville Public Schools