Dante's Fight Against Cancer
Donation protected
Who is Dante?
Dante is my 8-year-old cat who has been by my side since I moved to New York City in the winter of 2012. From the moment I moved into a dingy sublet apartment in Brooklyn, Dante chose to adopt me. He is the most empathetic creature, and can tell when something is bothering me. He'll always offer a paw of support. This week, Dante received a cancer diagnosis in the form of a sarcoma tumor on his leg. He's doing okay, but, uncharacteristically, he hasn't been finishing his meals and has taken to hiding under the bed.
What We're Doing Now
The prognosis for this type of sarcoma tumor is unclear. Cats can fight cancer with help from their human friends, in the form of surgery, chemo and/or radiation, and holistic alternative treatments. There are many factors in play. I have immediately committed to getting Dante a surgery that will remove the lump on his leg and prevent it from growing or spreading. We're doing X-rays, ultrasounds, and a biopsy to learn more about the type of sarcoma and whether it has already spread. I am hopeful -- we caught this early and the tumor is on his leg, as opposed to a vital organ. The total cost of this first round of treatments is $3000.
What We're Funding
Research has shown that cats have a much higher survival rate when they're treated with surgery in combination with chemo, radiation, and alternative methods. We're researching alternative holistic health options like special food, supplements, and natural medications. These additional treatments can make all the difference, but they are expensive. The vet quoted $8-10,000 for continuing oncological treatment after the surgery. Visits to a holistic pet doctor and alternative care stores add up too. I hate to ask for help, but the nature of living and working in this city makes it so that I can't cover all of these medical bills on my own. 100% of the funds we raise via this Gofundme campaign (minus all the fees that the platform charges to withdraw) will go towards continuing treatments that give Dante more of a chance to survive this diagnosis, and live a longer life. Of utmost priority is his quality of life -- and I would never put my emotional attachment to him above that.
I am so grateful for anything you can spare towards this cause, and if you're unable to make a monetary contribution, please consider sharing this with your animal-loving network. Your thoughts and prayers help us so much too. I will post updates to this page and my social media networks so you can follow along on Dante's journey to recovery.

Dante's story
This is a classic New York story of missed connections, but it has a happy ending. In the winter of 2011, kittens Dante and Loki were adopted by a man in Brooklyn who then promptly moved into an apartment with a no-pets policy. He decided to leave the cats with his girlfriend, who was living in a 3-bedroom apartment with two other strangers. I was one of those strangers, and I was a dog person. I had just moved to the city to intern at a newspaper, and I was pretty lonely and miserable in the wind, snow, and sleet. Dante could tell. Every night he broke into my tiny room that could only fit a bed and a small desk, and curled up by my side. The rest is history. Loki moved to Boston and Dante became my steadfast companion. More than seven years later, we've lived in five apartments, changed several jobs, and have grown up together. I'm no longer an intern, and Dante is no longer a kitten. We are still two peas in pod.
Who I am
I'm an award-winning video journalist , with a passion for film editing, and I'm currently working as a series producer for a magazine. I strive to have a work/life balance in a city that makes that really hard, but I'm doing much better with it now than I have in the past. Outside of work I hang with my partner Philip, take pottery classes, cook, read, and pet Dante.
Dante is my first child, and I've made so many beautiful memories with him. I am preparing myself to say goodbye to him. But before that time comes, I'll do everything in my power to give him more time to play, nap in the sun, and bring joy to everyone he meets.
Thank you so much for reading, for caring, and for supporting. It means the world to us.

Dante is my 8-year-old cat who has been by my side since I moved to New York City in the winter of 2012. From the moment I moved into a dingy sublet apartment in Brooklyn, Dante chose to adopt me. He is the most empathetic creature, and can tell when something is bothering me. He'll always offer a paw of support. This week, Dante received a cancer diagnosis in the form of a sarcoma tumor on his leg. He's doing okay, but, uncharacteristically, he hasn't been finishing his meals and has taken to hiding under the bed.
What We're Doing Now
The prognosis for this type of sarcoma tumor is unclear. Cats can fight cancer with help from their human friends, in the form of surgery, chemo and/or radiation, and holistic alternative treatments. There are many factors in play. I have immediately committed to getting Dante a surgery that will remove the lump on his leg and prevent it from growing or spreading. We're doing X-rays, ultrasounds, and a biopsy to learn more about the type of sarcoma and whether it has already spread. I am hopeful -- we caught this early and the tumor is on his leg, as opposed to a vital organ. The total cost of this first round of treatments is $3000.
What We're Funding
Research has shown that cats have a much higher survival rate when they're treated with surgery in combination with chemo, radiation, and alternative methods. We're researching alternative holistic health options like special food, supplements, and natural medications. These additional treatments can make all the difference, but they are expensive. The vet quoted $8-10,000 for continuing oncological treatment after the surgery. Visits to a holistic pet doctor and alternative care stores add up too. I hate to ask for help, but the nature of living and working in this city makes it so that I can't cover all of these medical bills on my own. 100% of the funds we raise via this Gofundme campaign (minus all the fees that the platform charges to withdraw) will go towards continuing treatments that give Dante more of a chance to survive this diagnosis, and live a longer life. Of utmost priority is his quality of life -- and I would never put my emotional attachment to him above that.
I am so grateful for anything you can spare towards this cause, and if you're unable to make a monetary contribution, please consider sharing this with your animal-loving network. Your thoughts and prayers help us so much too. I will post updates to this page and my social media networks so you can follow along on Dante's journey to recovery.
Dante's story
This is a classic New York story of missed connections, but it has a happy ending. In the winter of 2011, kittens Dante and Loki were adopted by a man in Brooklyn who then promptly moved into an apartment with a no-pets policy. He decided to leave the cats with his girlfriend, who was living in a 3-bedroom apartment with two other strangers. I was one of those strangers, and I was a dog person. I had just moved to the city to intern at a newspaper, and I was pretty lonely and miserable in the wind, snow, and sleet. Dante could tell. Every night he broke into my tiny room that could only fit a bed and a small desk, and curled up by my side. The rest is history. Loki moved to Boston and Dante became my steadfast companion. More than seven years later, we've lived in five apartments, changed several jobs, and have grown up together. I'm no longer an intern, and Dante is no longer a kitten. We are still two peas in pod.
Who I am
I'm an award-winning video journalist , with a passion for film editing, and I'm currently working as a series producer for a magazine. I strive to have a work/life balance in a city that makes that really hard, but I'm doing much better with it now than I have in the past. Outside of work I hang with my partner Philip, take pottery classes, cook, read, and pet Dante.
Dante is my first child, and I've made so many beautiful memories with him. I am preparing myself to say goodbye to him. But before that time comes, I'll do everything in my power to give him more time to play, nap in the sun, and bring joy to everyone he meets.
Thank you so much for reading, for caring, and for supporting. It means the world to us.
Organizer
Cath Spangler
Organizer
New York, NY