12 years ago, our boy, Rocco was rescued from severe abuse. Today, we're focused on giving him comfort and peace as he faces advanced lung cancer.

Rocco was taken in by a nonprofit animal rescue in Texas after he survived broken hips and being shot at. After being rehabilitated in the foster program, my husband and I adopted him at 2 years old and brought him to Florida to start anew.

Over the holidays, we rushed Rocco to the ER vet after he began coughing and struggling to breathe. Imaging and testing shows advanced lung cancer, including a large mass in his lung, signs of spread and fluid buildup in his chest cavity. After many difficult conversations, we made the heartbreaking decision not to pursue aggressive cancer treatment. Given Rocco's age and how advanced the cancer is, treatment would not offer a cure and could take away from his quality of life. Our focus now is on palliative care - managing his breathing and giving him as much love and comfort as possible for the time he has left.

Funds raised will help cover the visits and diagnostics already completed and future ongoing care such as medications and procedures to manage fluid buildup and breathing as needed. Included in the photos are the emergency and veterinary bills that have been done. Veterinary and supportive care adds up quickly and while we would do anything for our boy, the financial burden has been overwhelming. Any support you are able to contribute - whether through a donation, sharing, or keeping Rocco in your thoughts -means the world to us. Thank you for helping us do what is best for him and giving him the comfortable end he so deserves.