Help Sage's Ongoing Fight Against Cancer (MCTs)

Hi friends and community, it is with a heavy and humble heart that I ask for your assistance in providing my angel Sage the care that she needs. In 2020 I welcomed this little girl into my heart and home, after The Animal Rescue Mission picked her up in Tijuana. She's has been an ongoing source of light and love ever since.

Two years ago, two Mast Cell Tumors appeared on her back left leg. Two separate sites (one on her thigh, the other on her ankle/closer to her paw). Under most circumstances, removal is all it take to treat this type of cancer. However, due to the specific areas these were located, the lack of fatty tissue, and the thin skin surrounded the areas, it made it difficult to guarantee the cancerous tissue would be fully removed and increased the chance of its return. In the latter half of 2024, the first tumor returned. A few months later, the next returned. Because the tumors were initially low grade (as determined by the biopsies post-removal), there was less concern for immediate metastasis (spreading to other local organs/systems) and I was hoping to be able to financially climb to a place where I could take care of these surgeries myself. Unfortunately, a recent gap in employment has made it difficult for me to get to that point, and these tumors can be a bit of a ticking time bomb. Both tumors have grown a significant amount since they reappeared, and I am terrified of prolonging the surgery any further and putting Sage's life at risk.

With everything life has thrown at me these past couple of years, my community has reminded me of one thing - it is okay to ask for help.

So here I am today. Sage means the absolute world to me. She was with me through the pandemic, was my beaming ray of light and joy when I lost my brother and father in 2023, and has shown me another beautiful, warm side of life that I just do not want to risk losing. I love my little girl so, so much and wouldn't trade her for the world.

I would be incredibly grateful for any and all contributions. If you are not in a place to contribute directly, even sharing this page would mean the world to me.

The initial goal will cover the initial tests and surgeries needed to remove the tumors. This does not include the potential ongoing treatments she may need, depending on what the biopsy results yield. If the tumors have progressed to higher grades - or worse, metastasis - then we will have to further assess our options for her. It could include chemotherapy (which they've already expressed may be necessary) or even amputation - the latter of which I do not even want to think about. But it is too soon to tell. Right now, there is a high possibility of needing two separate (with time in between to heal) surgeries for both tumors, due to the close proximity of the affected areas and whether or not there will be enough remaining skin to stitch up the wounds after the affected flesh is removed. It is already a steep goal, but if somehow more than the initial goal is raised, the remainder will go towards her ongoing care.

I remain hopeful and optimistic. Thank you for taking the time to read this. All the best to you in 2025.

With love,

Paul Gabriel