Woman Battling Brain Cancer Is Blindfolded And Taken To A Secret Location. When They Finally Arrive, She Smells Something Familiar

Ever since she was a little girl, Courtney Gessford has wanted nothing more than to be completely showered in puppies.

The 28-year-old, who lives in Sacramento, California, has always loved dogs and hoped to one day have one of her own.

Sadly, all of Courtney’s dreams were put on hold in 2014, when she was diagnosed with brain cancer at just 24 years old.

Tests showed "that I had a cancerous tumor the size of a lemon growing in my brain," Courtney, who has undergone several surgeries and treatments since the diagnosis, explained to TODAY.

While chemotherapy has been grueling for Courtney, she’s managed to find comfort in her family’s dog, Clyde.

Courtney Gessford via TODAY

"He became such a healing presence in my recovery, treatment and coping," she said. "Simply being around him made me happier."

Because she loves the happiness and joy that dogs bring, Courtney and her childhood friend, Maris Loeffler, have been sharing videos of people getting covered in puppies since shortly after Courtney was diagnosed.

"Someone was in a pool filled with dogs or a room filled with puppies, and things like that," Courtney said. "I never thought it would happen. I never asked for it. Maris just knew, along with everybody else that knows me, that I have a huge love for dogs and puppies."

What Courtney didn’t know was that Maris had been planning her own “puppy ambush surprise” for Courtney.

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"I secretly started to manifest and plan my vision for Courtney because she is beyond obsessed with dogs," said Maris, who spent about a year planning the surprise.

After getting no bites from local breeders, Maris ultimately floated the idea to Ryan Hinderman, the Front Street Animal Shelter's social media coordinator, who immediately said yes.

"We're always looking for ways to make magic through the connection between people and animals," Hinderman told TODAY. "Our shelter's mission is to improve the lives of both people and pets. This was a fantastic opportunity to not only bring joy to a remarkable young woman, but also to raise awareness for shelter pets and brain cancer."

Earlier this month, Maris told Courtney to throw on a comfortable outfit and put on a pair of headphones. Courtney was even blindfolded while they drove to a secret location.

When they finally arrived, Courtney was guided over to an area with pillows and blankets so she could make herself comfortable.

While she smelled animals right away, Courtney still had no idea what was happening.

"Then the blindfold came off and earphones out," Courtney said.

Then, one by one, puppies were placed on top of Courtney—just like she always wanted!

Front Street Animal Shelter via TODAY

"I immediately broke down," Courtney said. "I felt so overwhelmed and grateful all at the same time. I had only imagined something like this in my dreams and Maris made it a reality."

"The puppies had a great time as well," added Hinderman. "They got to make lots of new friends and take a nap in the puppy pool."

As for her prognosis, Courtney says it’s "good; it's positive."

"If you look up 'average life expectancy Grade II diffuse astrocytom' it can be discouraging. But there are so many factors that I don't even bother with those statistics," she added.