Help Luther with DM Clinical Trial
Donation protected
Canine Degenerative Myelopathy is a serious fatal condition affecting a wide range of dog breeds. What makes this disease unique is its correlation to a serious human condition, called Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, more commonly known as ALS or Lou Gehrig's Disease.
A revolutionary trial is taking place at Tufts, and the hope is that through researching a new gene silencing therapy used to treat DM, human trials for treating ALS will benefit as well, speeding up the clinical human trials. More information on the disease and the trial can be found here- http://now.tufts.edu/articles/fighting-canine-als
GCH CH Visions I Have A Dream - or Luther as he is affectionately called - is an accomplished Cardigan Welsh Corgi, boasting many titles and awards including Canine Good Citizen, Rally, Herding, Coursing Ability and a CWCCA Certificate of Versatility, as well as being the sire of many similarly accomplished offspring, earning him a Register of Merit Versatility within the CWCCA.
More important than all those accolades is that Luther is the much beloved companion of Holly Goldman-Craig and Leonard Craig. His wonderful personality and trademark Cardigan spirit make him friends wherever he goes.
Unfortunately, Luther is starting to show the symptoms of DM. He has an opportunity to participate in the cutting edge trial, but in order to qualify he must undergo a series of tests, such as a neurological exam, chest xrays, comprehensive bloodwork and a MRI to determine his eligibility.
As responsible Cardigan breeders, Holly and Leonard would like him to be able to participate in the study, in order to help future generations of the breed avoid this tragic and crippling disease, especially since this is a prelude to human clinical trials. It is a massive commitment, both finacial and time wise, but they feel that the benefits to both future generations of canines and to humans vastly outweighs the struggle.
Estimates for the initial tests are as follows:
Neurological Exam in North Grafton, MA (128 miles one-way from their home in Averill Park, NY) $240.00
Chest X-Rays (done local) $305.00
Comprehensive Bloodwork (done local) $210.00
MRI (done local) $2500-$3500
Once accepted into the trial, it will be regular visits to Tufts, which is 128 miles away from home. Travel expenses are not included in the study funds.
To cover those costs, Holly, Leonard and Luther need some assistance. It is always extremely difficult to ask for help, especially financial help, but this is for a cause they truly believe in.
If you would consider donating, Luther and his family would be eternally grateful for you contribution toward helping research in DM and the further understanding of its human counterpart ALS.
Along with this Go Fund Me campaign, we are also exploring other fundraising avenues. Every little bit helps, and even one dollar gets Luther closer to qualifying for the trial. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts if you choose to contribute.
There is the risk that something will be found on the test results to exclude Luther from participating. This is out of anyone's control, but we are praying that he will qualify and be able to do his part to help end this disease's suffering effects on dogs like him. Despite the risk of exclusion, we believe that is important to have a Cardigan in the study with the other affected breeds and are willing to take the chance.
A revolutionary trial is taking place at Tufts, and the hope is that through researching a new gene silencing therapy used to treat DM, human trials for treating ALS will benefit as well, speeding up the clinical human trials. More information on the disease and the trial can be found here- http://now.tufts.edu/articles/fighting-canine-als
GCH CH Visions I Have A Dream - or Luther as he is affectionately called - is an accomplished Cardigan Welsh Corgi, boasting many titles and awards including Canine Good Citizen, Rally, Herding, Coursing Ability and a CWCCA Certificate of Versatility, as well as being the sire of many similarly accomplished offspring, earning him a Register of Merit Versatility within the CWCCA.
More important than all those accolades is that Luther is the much beloved companion of Holly Goldman-Craig and Leonard Craig. His wonderful personality and trademark Cardigan spirit make him friends wherever he goes.
Unfortunately, Luther is starting to show the symptoms of DM. He has an opportunity to participate in the cutting edge trial, but in order to qualify he must undergo a series of tests, such as a neurological exam, chest xrays, comprehensive bloodwork and a MRI to determine his eligibility.
As responsible Cardigan breeders, Holly and Leonard would like him to be able to participate in the study, in order to help future generations of the breed avoid this tragic and crippling disease, especially since this is a prelude to human clinical trials. It is a massive commitment, both finacial and time wise, but they feel that the benefits to both future generations of canines and to humans vastly outweighs the struggle.
Estimates for the initial tests are as follows:
Neurological Exam in North Grafton, MA (128 miles one-way from their home in Averill Park, NY) $240.00
Chest X-Rays (done local) $305.00
Comprehensive Bloodwork (done local) $210.00
MRI (done local) $2500-$3500
Once accepted into the trial, it will be regular visits to Tufts, which is 128 miles away from home. Travel expenses are not included in the study funds.
To cover those costs, Holly, Leonard and Luther need some assistance. It is always extremely difficult to ask for help, especially financial help, but this is for a cause they truly believe in.
If you would consider donating, Luther and his family would be eternally grateful for you contribution toward helping research in DM and the further understanding of its human counterpart ALS.
Along with this Go Fund Me campaign, we are also exploring other fundraising avenues. Every little bit helps, and even one dollar gets Luther closer to qualifying for the trial. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts if you choose to contribute.
There is the risk that something will be found on the test results to exclude Luther from participating. This is out of anyone's control, but we are praying that he will qualify and be able to do his part to help end this disease's suffering effects on dogs like him. Despite the risk of exclusion, we believe that is important to have a Cardigan in the study with the other affected breeds and are willing to take the chance.
Give $25 to help get this fundraiser to its goal
Organizer
Holly Goldman-Craig
Organizer
Averill Park, NY
