…my heart is breaking writing this.

Today we spent nearly eight hours at the University of Missouri Veterinary Health Center in Columbia where Chanel, our beloved Cornish Rex, underwent extensive testing, labs, and biopsies. The specialists confirmed that our sweet girl, Chanel, only 3 years old, has nasal lymphoma.

Without treatment, this cancer will continue destroying the bone structure in her face, and we were told she may have only about four months to live. Hearing those words was devastating. We cannot let an otherwise healthy, beautiful cat die…we need to get her radiation and treatment ASAP.

The hopeful news is that radiation therapy could significantly extend Chanel’s life, but it needs to begin as soon as possible to give her that chance. Her vet says she's a good candidate for success through radiation.

The reality is that the costs are overwhelming for Ashlynn, being a med student living on loans…and her husband, a med student…between the CT scan, radiation treatments, and oncology care recommended by the team at MU, the medical expenses are expected to exceed $15,000. My husband and I are retired and we are trying to assist as much as we are able.

Chanel isn’t just a pet…she has been Ashlynn’s constant companion/support through the intensity of medical school, always beside her while she studies and on the hardest days. With very humble hearts, we hope Chanel gets the treatment she needs as quickly as possible, the time frame and funds needed quickly has placed us in a desperate place. It’s very humbling.

Please, any little bit helps. A small donation, the price of a coffee covers the cost of Chanel’s medications to keep her comfortable. I cannot tell you how much your donation means to Ashlynn and Ben. No guilt if you are unable to contribute, we totally understand, but prayers would be deeply appreciated and sharing Chanel’s GoFundMe would be so wonderful. We just cannot let go without a desperate attempt to raise a portion of the funds to save her. Thank you for loving our little girl and being there for Ashlynn.❤️