Do you know what the symptoms are? Kennel cough is pretty easy to check for. Hopefully that is all it is. Is there a reason they are thinking distemper?

It is similar to my Nakita's situation. She had an undiagnosed illness and the vets were almost sure she wouldn't make it, but she DID. So tell your friends to keep the faith and let them know that lots of prayers will be coming their way.