Supporter Stories

"Charley, our chocolate Labrador Retriever, was 2.5 years old when he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in his left proximal humerus. He had his left front leg and scapula amputated and completed five rounds of chemotherapy. Charley has adjusted very well to being a tripaw and he can do everything on three legs that he did on four legs! We donated Charley's DNA (blood and tumor sample) to the Canine Hereditary Cancer Consortium (CHCC) to help with canine cancer research so hopefully one day there will be a cure for human and canine cancer and no person or dog will ever have to suffer again. Charley may not win his battle with cancer, but we can help fight for a cure! Charley is and will always be my hero." - Ellen Venturella-Wilson

Video of Charley Playing in the Snow

“My dog Bonham is a participant with your study. We are so proud of him and his mission to educate the public about canine cancer awareness. You are really doing a great study and I fully support it. We are so pleased that we can be a part of it." - Linda Scarborough

“My doberman Beamer passed away on October 13. Beamer's leg had been amputated due to osteosarcoma. All of the sudden he lost all feeling in his hind legs and became paralyzed overnight. It was heartbreaking having to say goodbye to our boy. I hope that his blood sample has been of help and that there will be continued research in how to cure this dreadful cancer.  Too many beautiful dogs have to leave us too soon because of this disease." - Ans Hayes

“Electra was rescued from the Vernon, Texas animal shelter. She was the first to greet me every day, and let me know HOW bad the cats had been. She accepted each newcomer with grace and tolerance. I too am a cancer (Melanoma) survivor. In February of '09 I had a small tumor removed from my wrist, and although I have not had a recurrence, it makes the contribution that Electra has made even more special to me and my family. I look forward with pride to seeing the research of Dr. Trent's team, and to know that in some small way my Electra is a part of something much bigger than both of us! Thank you again for a wonderful opportunity!" - Jacqueline Specter

“I just want to thank you again for giving us some place to focus our energy and a place to feel like we are allowing Ethan to leave his legacy - to make his life meaningful beyond just our family!! I am so proud of him already.” - Stephanie Pollara

“Thanks for all you guys are doing for these sweet animals…wish there was no need, but we both know there is.” - Lil Bridgeman

"Damon was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in July of 2009. Hearing that my 38 month old American Bulldog had cancer was devastating. Damon was an exuberant dog that loved everyone and lived life to the fullest. I reached out to Dr. Keller at the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, who told me about the Canine Cancer Consortium at Van Andel Research Institute. I immediately contacted Dr. Roe Froman, who took the time to educate me about the goals of this program. Damon passed away on his 4th birthday, May 17, 2010. Tovah, Damon’s sibling, was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma and a Fibro sarcoma on February 2, 2010, at 46 months old. Tovah was my canine soul mate, a vivacious girl that held a very strong presence within our home. Her diagnosis was tragic and shocking given Damon’s diagnosis 7 months earlier. Tovah never showed any sign of the disease until she became lame, which we thought was due to her mild form of hip dysplasia. At the time of diagnosis the cancer had already metastasized to her lungs. Tovah passed away 34 days later on March 8, 2010. At the time of her passing, Tovah’s blood and tumor samples were sent to the Institute."

"To lose two sibling companions that I have put heart and soul into was just unimaginable for me. We take comfort in knowing that Damon’s and Tovah’s blood and tumor samples will one day help find a cure to this horrific disease. I made a vow to them that I would be an advocate for them and continue to help in the fight against canine cancer. I will continue to help Roe and the VAI Canine Cancer Consortium by helping others learn about this phenomenal program and will do an annual fundraiser in their memory. I have the utmost respect for Dr. Froman and the staff at VAI. RIP Tovah and Damon." - Christine Langis

“Thank you for being part of 2Dogs2000Miles Puppy Up! Celebrations in Boston. We are honored to partner with your organization and to support the great work you are doing.” - Sheila Rinks

"My beloved Shelby, who is part of your study, passed into eternity last Saturday. Fortunately for us, she was a happy girl to the end. Throughout all her treatment, she never flinched or balked. She eagerly went to each and every vet appointment, no matter what. She never had to be sedated, except for surgery, because she had complete confidence and loving trust in everyone who was helping her. God bless you and your work to find a cure for this horrible disease." - Carol Snowden

"While my collective family has many fond memories and zillions of photos of our dogs, the dreaded c-word has marred some of those stories. My dog Rosie is one of those. While her life was a nice long 12+ years, I only had her for the last four. How I came to have her was serendipitous and also important in my personal / professional investment with VAI's work. One of her puppies was my PhD present to myself. My first puppy, after several adult dog adoptions. A couple of years later when I was looking to adopt a late- or middle-aged dog, the breeder decided to place Rosie with me."
 
"So I thank the Mostosky's for allowing me to love Rosie during her last wonderful years, the many dogs in my life, Van Andel Institute's research, and our ability to contribute to this important work for both human and veterinary medicine and the future health of dogs." - Lisa W. Halbert DVM, PhD

"My dog Murphy's blood sample was sent to your study and I can't tell you how much I appreciate being able to include his contribution before his death. Thanks again for your efforts on behalf of our beloved companions." - Martha Thierry

Read article about Murphy in the Detroit Free Press

"It's been a little more than a month now since Spike succumbed to cancer. As our family pet and a true companion Spike was loved by everyone he met. Spike was the mascot for our local Tastee Freez and a favorite of our local animal hospital. City Hall, the hairdresser, the neighbors - you name it, everyone knows Spike. He was so big yet so dainty, a sumo wrestler whose passion was finger painting. Spike was indeed special."

"We loved Spike and in his way Spike was able to contribute to our society when he was here and he continues to contribute by helping the research being done by each of you at Van Andel Research Institute. The Canine Hereditary Cancer Consortium will ultimately help millions of others not to experience the pain this terrible disease can bring to us all. I know Spike is proud." - Lou Elsner

"Wilson has fought many different cancers in the past four or so years. He is so stoic. And now he is in his final battle of his life, with Type B cell lymphoma. Each injection takes it all out of him, and it's a long fight back uphill again before he shows some interest in life or eats more than a mouthful of food. My 36 pound boy is now down to 27 pounds and is nothing but skin and bones. This cancer is terrible."

"Wilson is my best buddy. He has been a very special part of the family and has touched so many lives. When the time comes, it will be hard to let him go. He will be greatly missed. I just hope that Wilson's DNA might make a difference and help in the canine cancer research at the CHCC. Your work is so very important, both for dogs and people. Thank you." - Carol Frankovich

"Emily was diagnosed with a tumor in the spleen and several little ones in the liver...thought to be hemangiosarcomas from the scan. She has been given 4-6 weeks, but it could be sooner. I am spending as much time as I can with her. Emily was a show dog for a brief time and then became the family love bug and my elderly mother's companion. she was the one who ALWAYS met you at the door for a hug and kiss! As an only child, I had my mother move in with us the last 10 years of her life. Emily slept, sat, and even walked her to the bathroom. Mom had neuropathy, a condition in the lupus family, shoulder problems, and eventually spinal stenosis which sent her to the nursing home the last 10 months. She was going strong until in her late 80s. You would never have guessed her age. She loved my dogs, but Emily was her buddy! At this time Emily is still feeling good, and I am of course...HAPPY!"

"My other dog Genny has had several diagnosed cutaneous hemangiosarcomas removed over the years. Genny was a therapy dog at Children's Hospital of Austin for 8.5 years until at 11 she was diagnosed with meningitis. I have seen the grace of God in allowing her to live longer." - Evilene Miller