Apollo is my 7-year-old, quirky husky, best friend, and first fur baby. Recently, he began experiencing extreme facial atrophy and increased discomfort, including pain and constant itching. I have already spent hundreds of dollars on tests trying to find answers, but the situation has become more urgent. The specialists now believe Apollo may have a trigeminal nerve sheath tumor, which is causing the atrophy. This type of tumor, while not technically terminal, is aggressive and locally invasive. The median survival rate is a few years and significantly less than that without treatment.

To get a definitive diagnosis, Apollo needs a CT scan that is scheduled with a specialist for April 7th. This scan costs $3600 and is just the beginning—if a tumor is confirmed, he will need further imaging and potentially radiation therapy, as surgery is not an option for a tumor on this nerve. The costs for ongoing care could be thousands more, but getting this scan is the crucial first step to prolong his life if there is a tumor, and finding answers and easing the symptoms for Apollo.

All funds raised will go directly to Apollo's CT imaging bill. Your support, whether through a donation or by sharing this fundraiser, means the world to me. I totally understand that funds are tight for everyone right now. As a graduate student and someone working in higher education, I understand the strain recent inflation has caused. All of my discretionary funds go to school, so emergencies like this are especially straining. I have never done a GoFundMe before, but as this will be a substantial and imminent cost I figured it was worth a shot to try. Again, I understand if you are unable to help and appreciate any thoughts, prayers, etc. for this situation. Apollo really is my child, and this has been a terrifying and financially straining process.