From Cancer to Canine, A Service Dog for Lauren

This is my beautiful friend, Lauren. She is smart, caring and mature beyond her years. At 14 years old, she has been a competitive dancer and equestrian her entire life.

Her story, however, was forever changed on August 13, 2021. Lauren was admitted to the Alberta Children’s Hospital due to pain in her leg. That evening, her family was given the devastating news that Lauren has osteosarcoma, cancer of the bone. In less than 24 hours, Lauren had a biopsy and a treatment plan was developed. Her plan involved numerous rounds of chemotherapy, surgical resection of the tumour and a thoracotomy to remove nodules in her lungs.

In November 2021, Lauren underwent orthopedic and plastic surgery on her leg. The surgery to remove the tumour in Lauren’s leg required the severing of nerves and arteries to her foot. She was given a prosthetic implant in her femur and tibia as well as a prosthetic knee. Plastic surgeons used muscle from the opposing leg to reconstruct her affected leg and protect the prosthetic implants. In salvaging her leg, Lauren is left with lifelong mobility issues, including drop foot.

Drop foot requires the use of various braces for the rest of her life. In addition to her mobility issues and the need for several foot ankle orthosis’, Lauren has also suffered from worsening anxiety because of treatment complications.

Lauren’s medical team suggested a service dog to help with daily living (i.e., retrieving her brace, assisting with transitions, etc.) and to provide her with emotional support. Service dogs range in cost from $15,000.00 to $40,000.00 and wait lists can be as long as 3 years for a fully trained dog.

The goal for this fundraising effort is $15,000.00. Lauren’s family has opted to acquire a puppy through a government accredited organization and undertake the training with the agency over the next two years. The training classes are approximately $11,000.00 and the cost of the puppy is $2,700.00 to $3,500.00.

Lauren’s last chemotherapy treatment is scheduled for mid-April 2022, followed by her thoracotomy. Once complete, Lauren will start intense rehabilitation and begin a new, exciting chapter in her journey. Please help us give Lauren a new lease on life.

Thank you!