My name is Annie Buman and I am creating this GoFundMe on behalf of my dearest friend, Erika Freiberg, for her fur baby, Gypsy. Erika and her family are facing an unimaginable heartbreak as she enters hospice care as she is losing her battle against astrocytoma brain cancer. Gypsy has been by Erika’s side and is truly her best friend and reason she keeps fighting through every battle she faces.

Erika has been faced with the excruciating decision to board Gypsy at a local kennel facility while she receives the physical support that she needs during her final days, alongside searching for a person that will be able to take Gypsy permanently when the inevitable happens. While in hospice care, Erika will be able to have Gypsy visit her as her last wishes include having her beloved fur child by her side.

I am asking for support from the community to help alleviate the boarding expenses for Gypsy as this was unexpected and an expense neither Erika nor Barbara can sustain themselves. Anything extra will go towards long-term support for Gypsy as she has allergy issues that require special attention and monthly care/prescriptions.

Erika’s Cancer Journey

Erika suffered a grand mal seizure in February 2019 where an astrocytoma brain tumor was discovered. She went through brain surgery shortly after in March 2019. Due to the type of tumor, not all was able to be removed. She undergoes scans to monitor the size of the tumor periodically throughout the year. The last scan completed in October 2025 showed the tumor had grown. Erika underwent radiation for the second time around and simultaneous infusions through the end of December. In the beginning of March 2026, she suffered a stroke which caused her to lose use of her left side. On March 23, 2026, Erika received the devastating prognosis of 3-6 months that she will have left with us.

Erika’s life changed in an instant and has left her battling long-term, debilitating side effects. This has taken an unbearable toll on her mother, Barbara, who has been at her side through it all. Erika is shattered knowing she cannot have Gypsy under her care during this time, but neither she nor Barbara can physically care for her. I also ask the community to spread the word as the search continues for a special person to take Gypsy and treat her with the love and kindness that Erika has shown her and that will give her the best life in the years that she has left until the two can be reunited at the rainbow bridge.