Support Vicky's Cancer Treatment Journey

Hi! If you know me, you have been lucky enough to also know Vicky—the sweetest dog on earth—who has been my best friend, guard angel, travel partner, companion, and family for 11 years.

I met 6-month old Vicky at an animal shelter I was volunteering at in Columbia, South Carolina, 2 months after moving from Brazil to the US in 2013. Back then I had no business owning a dog with so much uncertainty into my future as an immigrant, student and travel enthusiast, but we fell in love immediately and couldn’t help but adopt each other. That was the best decision I ever made. She’s added so much fun, meaning, and support into my life in the US and has been my one constant throughout all the ups and downs and life transitions. I can’t imagine I’d be where I am today if I didn’t have her by my side.

In late March 2024 I found a tumor on the back of Vicky’s tongue. That same week I took her to surgery to remove it and get a biopsy. Thankfully the surgery went well and the doctor was able to remove the mass, but unfortunately the results of the biopsy came back as malignant oral melanoma, which is a very aggressive cancer with a high rate of return and metastasis. After discussing treatment options with an oncologist on May 3, we determined that the best path forward to eliminate or control the cancer will be to combine Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy and Torigen’s Autologous Cancer Vaccine.

Funds raised here will help me pay for the initial recommended treatment with the Veterinary Cancer Group in Tustin, California. Given how quickly the cancer can spread, I’m planning to start care as early as this week (early May). We will start with staging and CT scans to have a better outlook of the current state and how far cancer has spread (estimate: ~USD $4,900). The oncologist will then create a radiotherapy plan that will likely include 5-6 treatments that are scheduled once a week (estimate: ~USD ~$6,000). In parallel we will request the Autologous Vaccine preparation and administer 3 doses (estimate: ~USD $3,700) once a week as well.

Any amount of money - even USD 10 - you can donate will help make this happen and keep Vicky healthy and happy for longer. We are both looking forward to continuing building memories and enjoying life together, with more road trips, hikes, paddle boarding, camping, cuddles and many more adventures. 

If you can’t donate, we so appreciate good thoughts and prayers as well. Thank you in advance! ❤️

PS: if we haven’t met, you can find out more about Vicky and I through my instagram @julavorini