Hi everyone,

I’m creating this fundraiser on behalf of my dear friend Kim, and her husband, Matt, during one of the most overwhelming seasons of their lives.

Over the past few months, Kim and Matt have faced more hardships than most people could imagine at once. Just a few days before Thanksgiving, Matt unexpectedly lost his brother. As they were still processing that loss, they welcomed their baby early in December, five weeks prematurely. Their newborn has been diagnosed with Down syndrome and moderate ASD heart defect and is currently receiving ongoing medical care.

A week leading up to when their baby was born, Kim and Matt noticed a lump on their beloved 3-year-old dog, Rusty, near his leg close to his rectum. After a biopsy, they received the devastating news, Rusty has cancer. Over the past month, the tumor has tripled in size. Despite this, Rusty is still eating, drinking, playing, and being his energetic, loving self, but it’s clear he’s uncomfortable, and time-sensitive decisions must be made.

Rusty is not “just a dog” to Kim and Matt. He is family. He has been a source of comfort, stability, and unconditional love, especially during these dark moments. The veterinarian has shared that there are options to potentially shrink the tumor and surgically remove it, but these treatments are extremely costly and come with emotional and financial strain at a time when Kim and Matt are already stretched beyond their limits. If surgery isn’t possible, funds would also help ensure Rusty is kept comfortable, pain-free, and surrounded by love for whatever time he has left.

Kim does not have the time or emotional bandwidth to set this up herself, so I am doing this on her behalf to help ease at least one burden. I have included a *graphic* picture of Rusty's tumor and the first of many to come, estimates provided by Rusty’s veterinarian’s office.

Any donation, no matter the amount, will go directly toward Rusty’s veterinary care, whether that means pursuing surgery or providing comfort-focused treatment. If you’re unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser or keeping Kim, Matt, their children, and Rusty in your thoughts means more than you know.

Thank you for taking the time to read their story and for any kindness you’re able to give during this incredibly difficult chapter of their lives.

With gratitude,

Meagan DeRocha