Remember John Moore?

You definitely remember Lilly.

In May, we told the story of Retired Master Sergeant John Moore and his service dog, Lilly, a golden retriever who's much more than a service dog.

"She means the world to me," John said.

Earlier this year, Lilly — just 13 months old at the time — was diagnosed with lymphoma and given weeks to live.

John went all-in on her recovery. Do whatever it takes, he told the vets in Florida, who then suggested: call Chattanooga's Dr. Alexandra Gareau.

There are only two hospitals on the Earth that use stem cell transplants to treat and cure lymphoma.

And one is right here on Broad Street.

The Canine Transplant & Apheresis Center (CTAC) is located inside the Pullen Cancer Care Center — right next to VCSG Hospital — and is led by a team of globally-recognized oncology veterinarians, like Dr. Gareau, and specialists offering stem cell treatment for dogs with blood cancers and bone marrow treatment for non-cancerous diseases.

Lilly checked in for a stem cell transplant in May.

So many of you responded with prayers and financial support for John's GoFundMe.

Several days ago, the Vietnam vet sent an update.

"Lilly is doing outstanding," he said.

The stem cell treatment was a huge success.

"Dr. Gareau is confident Lilly is cured," he said.

Not long ago, Lilly went back to work as John's service dog. John was concerned she may need a bit of "a refresher course, but she did not miss a beat."

He held up her service dog vest and said: Lilly, girl, are you ready to go to work?

"Wish you could have seen her," he said. "Her eyes sparkled."

A big five-figure bill was reduced with help from CTAC's generosity and gifts from so many of you. John spent part of his retirement and vet-school savings he'd held for his grandson.

He sent a direct message to our Food as a Verb community, thanking everyone for their "support and prayers."

Now, the balance is down to just under $6,000.

"Was it worth it?" he asked, rhetorically.

"Look in Lilly's eyes for the answer."

• Earlier this summer, a friend and fellow writer sent over a rather intriguing list of restaurants.

He'd been curating an ongoing list of all the different cuisines offered in our city.

"Diversity Thrives in Chattanooga," his email said.

This is not official, nor fully vetted. You don't have to read far to see at least one restaurant has closed since the list was sent, but the main message remains:

Chattanooga's restaurant scene is more diverse and varied than we may realize.

We loved seeing this list, thank our friend who created it and offer it to you as good reading.

• Finally, we throwing a big party for you!

Two years ago, we launched Food as a Verb with hope and a big hunch: could we create media that uplifts and dignifies?

Could we tell stories about farmers and chefs and the land?

Would people ... want this?

The answers: yes. Most definitely, yes.

Now, two years in, we want to celebrate with you.

Come join us at Cherry Street Tavern on Thursday, Sept. 25. Free entry — we'll take care of the cover charge for you — and great music from Matt Bohannon, new merch from us, a locally-sourced dinner from the chef, fabulous drinks from the bar.

Last year's party was wonderful. This year's, even more so. No tickets or RSVP needed. Come as you are because ... without you, there is no us.

Have a great week, everyone. See you Sunday.

Story ideas, questions, feedback? Interested in partnering with us? Email: david@foodasaverb.com

This story is 100% human generated; no AI chatbot was used in the creation of this content.

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