Kali's Cancer Treatment

If you have met me, then you have probably me my dog, Kali. If you haven't met Kali, then you have not met the best part of me. 

For the past six years, Kali has been my co-pilot through the darkest storms and the brightest days.  From business conferences, internships and leisurely travel, we have explored much of the US, while pursing our undergraduate degree at FIU. 

I say we, because Kali is my service dog that accompanies me throughout all of my daily activities.  She is well-known by the students and faculty at FIU, and she has made quite an impression throughout my past internships. Together we have conquered the greatest obstacles in my life and I know I would not have excelled to my full potential if I didn't have her by my side. 

Kali has been diagnosed with Mast Cell Tumors, which is a form of Cancer. She had an aggressive surgery this past week in order to determine which "stage" and "grade" the cancer is at.

After a visit with the oncologist, we are hopeful that the results will return  as a low grade stage II since this is the typical result for the bully breeds. This means we should be able to kick this cancer in the butt through the surgery, electrochemotherapy and traditional chemotherapy sessions.

Since she has had the masses for some time (original vet thought it was benign), she does not have any type of coverage for the treatment. Treatment will take a little under a year, if all goes well, but it is quite costly. Between the surgery, electrochemotherapay, traditional chemotherapy, medications, and a multitude of vet/ oncology visits, the cost of treatment is becoming another stress which I am unsure of how to handle. 

So I am asking for help. Help from friends, peers, colleagues, pitbull lovers, animal lovers,  etc. If you know anyone willing to help, then please pass this along. Although Kali and I have had far more adventures together than I had ever imagined, we still have a long bucket list ahead of us and this is only another mountain for us to conquer.  

Thank you for taking the time to read our story and taking a peek into her life. <3 

***Update*** 
7/7/17: I can't express how touched and thankful I am for all the support Kali and I have received. Thank you for the kind words, spreading the message and your contributions. This is one less stress for me to focus my energy on and I am eternally grateful to you all.

Kali's stitches are healing reasonably well and she has been able to finish off the work week in high spirits. The tumors all came back as "low grade", which is what we optimistically expected. Next step is the electrochemotherapy and then it is on to the standard chemotherapy.

So far things are going as well as we could have hoped. I'll continue to update her page as the treatment progresses.

Thank you is not enough to express my gratitude!


***All proceeds will be used towards Kali's treatment. If there are funds left over after she is declared cancer free, then I will donate the remaining donations to a nonprofit animal organization to help other dogs in need.