To family, friends, and all those supporting us:

I share this with a heavy heart — my sister’s beloved one year old puppy, Mabel, was diagnosed with high stage cancer over the weekend. Mabel is my sister’s best friend and her presence helped my sister get through a mentally exhausting period of her life when our grandparents passed away. Mabel is full of love, even towards those who don’t reciprocate (such as my own dog, her cousin Daisy) and is the sweetest puppy in the world. The veterinarians at UC Davis Veterinary Hospital noted that Mabel’s cancer is high stage and extensive -- however, Mabel responded very well to her first dose of chemotherapy and they believe she is a good candidate for CHOP protocol chemotherapy. This is the chemotherapy option offering the best chance of survival, but is also the most expensive.

Mabel was feeling unwell the first week of August -- she was constantly vomiting and did not seem her usual energetic self. After several tests, it seemed that there were masses in her intestines and she had severely swollen lymph nodes. My sister scheduled an oncologist visit for Tuesday, 8/15, but Mabel’s condition deteriorated quickly over the weekend of 8/12-8/13. She was admitted to the UC Davis Veterinary Hospital the night of Sunday, 8/13, and left our entire family on the edge of their seats. The doctors at UC Davis Veterinary Hospital noted how extensive the cancer was throughout her body and weren’t sure if she would survive the night. Fortunately, the amazing veterinarians at UC Davis Veterinary Hospital were able to help Mabel pull through.

They decided that we could not wait for 8/15 and administered Mabel’s first dose of chemotherapy on Monday, 8/14. Mabel responded incredibly well to chemotherapy. Whereas previously she was lethargic and had to be spoon-fed by my sister, Mabel ate three bowls of food on her own after chemotherapy. Her energy came back and she quickly became a favorite amongst the staff at UC Davis Veterinary Hospital, which is not surprising given how generous Mabel is with her love.

We now face the long road ahead. Mabel will undergo heavy doses of chemotherapy in order to rid her body of the cancer. Doctors noted that chest x-rays indicate enlarged lymph nodes; ultrasounds show one tumor in her large intestine and another in her small intestine; and her stomach seems to have thickened. Despite this, doctors believe Mabel will respond very well to CHOP protocol chemotherapy. This option offers the best chance of survival, but is also the most expensive. Despite the cost, my sister did not hesitate in choosing this option for Mabel.

This option would entail chemotherapy once a week for 8 weeks, and then every other week for 4 months. Each chemotherapy dose would cost $500. Occasional bloodwork and imaging to confirm progress would cost $285 each time. My sister was quoted an estimated total of $8,000 to $9,000. All the testing and overnight stays at the hospital means that my sister has already nearly reached the maximum payout under her pet insurance.

Many people have asked how they can help support us throughout all of this. For those family and friends in Sacramento -- all the thoughtful words of encouragement and acts of service have meant the world to my sister. Your support has been instrumental in helping her charge through these tough times. For those further away -- one option would be your support in raising money to help my sister pay for chemotherapy. An amount as small as $5 would be immensely appreciated. Though it may seem like a small amount, any support would be greatly appreciated and would go a long way towards helping my sister afford chemotherapy for Mabel. My sister has already chosen the road of chemotherapy without regard to cost for Mabel -- as her brother, I am doing my part to help her through these times.

Thank you for everything!