This is Applesauce. She's about 13 years old and has thyroid carcinoma (a cancerous tumor on her thyroid). We've been together for over 11 years and she's my best friend. Apples is scheduled for a thyroidectomy surgery on August 14 at MISCA - Minimally Invasive Specialty Center for Animals. I need to pay for it in full by August 13.

My name's Kelly and I'm Applesauce's person. I've already raised funds and used my own money for all of her diagnostic needs that were required prior to this surgery - Lab Work, X-rays, Cardiology appointment, Surgery consults, Oncology consult, CT scan, Fine Needle Aspirate. We’ve made it so far in this process already.. and though she has finally been cleared for surgery, I still need to be able to afford it!

I have been experiencing financial hardship for a few years. I'm a chronically ill and disabled self-employed artist and I live in my van off and on. I am very low income and not receiving disability benefits. Living with multiple complex chronic illnesses makes it difficult to work most jobs. I've been unable to afford treatment for my illnesses or specialty doctors appointments for myself for a few years. Even monthly medicine/supplements that help me survive are difficult for me to consistently afford. Applesauce's medical needs come first right now as they are the most urgent!

The estimate for her surgery is $4,610

+ $950 for potential hospitalization

+ $500 to remove another mass on her back and test it

TOTAL: $6,060

UPDATE 8/10: The surgeon is recommending a mass on her back be removed while she is under anesthesia. I am waiting for the estimate but the vet said it would be a couple hundred dollars more + $150 to test it for cancer. So I'm adding $500 to cover this mass removal, testing and fees here.

I will add "offline donations" to the donations here on gofundme to account for my ongoing Story Sale on instagram & Direct Donations to me.

I have applied for numerous grants and will also add them as offline donations.

To directly send $ to me:

v e n m o/c a s h a p p: SundrawnPines

or p a y p a l (contact me on instagram: @SundrawnPines)

Another option - I can give you the information to contact the surgeon's clinic directly and you can contribute a portion towards her bill.

These methods are preferred because of gofundme fees but I wanted to offer gofundme as an alternative option. I appreciate your support!

Applesauce still has so much energy and life left to live! If her other health issues were drastically affecting her quality of life and it seemed like it was time for her to pass on, then I would accept that. But these issues all seem like they can be managed.

The oncologist and surgeon have said that dogs who receive this surgery (thyroidectomy) have an average three year life expectancy. They both agreed that even with Applesauce's age, this same life expectancy would apply to her. The surgeon recently said in her clinical summary, "Although surgery is not curative for a thyroid carcinoma, survival times after surgery can be prolonged and may offer Applesauce the equivalent of a cure considering her age."

During our consult when I asked if Applesauce has a "good prognosis" the surgeon said yes, that she would consider her prognosis good to excellent.

If I'm not able to afford surgery, Applesauce's life will end sooner than it needs to. She will experience more complications from the cancer spreading, from the mass growing, issues in her neck and problems breathing. I don't want her to suffer when I know there is an option to help her! And I need to pursue this option soon, before the cancer spreads and the tumor grows. I want Applesauce to live the fullest and most comfortable life possible.

Thank you so much for sharing this fundraiser & contributing. It will make such an immense impact in our lives.

With love & care,

-Kelly & Applesauce

All photos are from the last year