If you have met Maverick, you know how much he means to me. He’s my best friend and has been by my side through so much. I’m not ready to say goodbye or watch his life fade away, and writing this is more emotional than I expected. Even though his prognosis is a little better than I first thought, it’s still a tough road ahead for both of us.

Recently, Maverick’s spleen ruptured and he had to undergo emergency surgery to have it removed. He barely survived because of how much blood he’d already lost. After the surgery, the mass that caused the rupture was biopsied and we learned it was cancer—hemangiosarcoma. While insurance helped with some of the costs, there’s still a large amount left to cover. Now, after consulting with the oncologist, we’ve decided to move forward with chemotherapy since it won’t affect his quality of life. The chemo and medications are expected to be another significant expense.

The funds raised here will help cover Maverick’s emergency surgery, his six rounds of chemotherapy, and the medicine he needs. I know the amount is high and I honestly doubt we’ll reach it, but anything helps. Thank you so much to anyone who cares enough about Mav and is able to help out! He’s meant so much to me and everyone that he’s met (he’s a bit of a local celebrity)!