For anyone that knows Ryan and I, you know that our girls are our whole world. Just last month, we received devastating news about Dana. She was diagnosed with a histiocytic sarcoma tumor in her back left leg. Appointment after appointment we were hoping for better news, but none came. Our poor girl is still her goofy, snuggly self except for the pain in her leg.

Multiple veterinarians advised that due to the local nature of the tumor, and how entwined it is in her joint, Dana’s best shot at long-term survival is amputation followed by chemotherapy. Amputation would completely remove the pain point, and recovery (including mobility) is astonishingly just a few short weeks. Even the proposed form of chemotherapy (pill) has very few side effects compared to the chemotherapy we typically hear about. As optimistic as it sounds, it does not come at a small cost. Our fundraiser goal is just a portion of what is anticipated ($10,000), but she is worth every penny.

If we elect to do less ambitious treatments, her life expectancy is a few short months. We know that we are not ready to lose our girl at 8 years old. We know that Kona, her little sister, and her absolute best friend, is not ready to lose her either. The past few weeks Kona has not left her side; it is amazing how she can sense something is wrong. We want to give Dana the absolute best chance at living out the rest of her life. More outside time, more naps, more car rides, more snuggles, just more time. We love her so much, and for those of you that love her too we are asking for your help.

All of our love,

Ry, Carissa, Kon, and Dana