Life is full of unexpected twists—sometimes filled with love and hope, and other times with heartbreak. My dear friend and neighbor, Kari, has faced more than her share of challenges lately. While bravely battling Stage 4 cancer, Kari lost her remote job with OSU without any notice, just a week before she could file for early retirement. As if that wasn’t enough, she was hospitalized for a collapsed lung, adding to an already overwhelming week.

When Kari finally returned home, she was met with another blow—her sweet golden retriever, Layla, was suddenly very lethargic and wouldn’t eat. Layla had just had her annual checkup and seemed healthy, aside from ongoing treatment for Lyme disease. But this time, something was very wrong. After a compassionate vet team ran tests, the news was devastating: Layla’s bloodwork was alarming, her lymph nodes were enlarged, and she was in obvious pain. Despite every effort, Kari had to make the heartbreaking decision to let Layla go, giving her peace and ending her suffering.

Everyone who met Layla knows how much joy she brought to Kari’s life. Now, Kari is left to cope with not only her own health and financial struggles, but also the loss of her beloved companion. The funds raised here will help Kari cover her rent and the unexpected vet bill, providing some relief as she faces these overwhelming challenges. Please keep Kari in your prayers, consider making a donation, or simply share her story to help her get the support she needs during this incredibly tough time. #CANCERSUCKS #goldenretriever #RainbowBridge