MEET ABBY from Michigan!
We share this news with the heaviest of hearts. Our dear friend passed away after a 16 month battle with lymphoma. Abby received a canine bone marrow transplant at NC State, however sometimes even the best technology isn't enough to slay this beast called cancer. Abby was a fun loving girl who enjoyed hanging with her mom in the stables. Everyone who met Abby loved her, and she will be missed by her human and fur friends - there are so many. Abby was a canine cancer hero and a pioneer for everyone who has battled canine cancer with their pups. Abby's strong spirit and her mom's determination are an inspiration to everyone who knows them. Abby left this world a better place, and we are honored to keep her legacy alive. Please keep Abby's mom and family in your thoughts as they learn to cope with the loss of their best friend. Rest In Peace Abby. You will be forever loved and missed. XO
Hello everyone,
Meet Abby from Michigan! Abby was diagnosed with Lymphoma and is currently living at North Carolina State University where she's recovering from a life-saving canine bone marrow transplant aka the CURE!
Follow Abby's journey to the CURE by reading her daily updates at the bottom of this page.:)
Abby's Mom is working tirelessly to raise the money for Abby's cure & she needs your help. Abby's amily is working day and night to raise the money for the cure. The cost for a canine bone marrow transplant is $14,000. They are able to fund Abby's chemotherapy, but they desperately need donations to help pay for the bone marrow transplant. Please consider donating $5, $10, $100 or more to help Abby fight cancer and win! We are grateful for anything you can offer, even $1 can help save Abby's life. :) Thank you for your kindess.
Abby's Mom wrote a bio about Abby's family, friends and interests. Now, it's our pleasure to share their story with you. We are excited for you to meet this special girl! We know that once you do you'll love her as much as we do :)
Please visit this page daily to follow Abby's journey to the CURE!
Abby
How old is Abby? Abby is 5 years old. Although no one knows what day Abby was actually born, (she's a rescue) , we celebrate her birthday on April 1. An April Fool’s Day birthday fits her sometimes mischievous personality! Click here to see Abby's Birthday Pawty on 4/1/11!
What breed of dog is Abby? She is a Collie/ Siberian Husky mix.
How big is Abby? How much does she weigh? Abby is a usually slender, tall dog with long legs. She generally fluctuates between 59 and 63 pounds. Since her start on prednisone, however, Abby currently weighs 72 pounds!
When did Abby join your family? I adopted Abby from the Kent County Humane Society in Grand Rapids, Michigan when she was approximately 12 weeks old. At the Humane Society, they called her Precious, but she seemed like an Abigail to me!
What was Abby like as a puppy? I work as a horse trainer, so I spend a lot of time outdoors and that lifestyle has been perfect for Abby. She has always been a high energy dog, especially as a puppy! She has a joyful personality and I think if she were a person she would always be laughing.
What activities does Abby enjoy? Abby loves playing with her dog friends… especially when the game involves running! She also loves her toys. Her favorite toy is a stuffed bunny called a “Deedle-Dude” that plays music. The song it plays is permanently etched into my brain.
Tell us about some of Abby's funny or endearing personality traits. I think the funniest thing Abby does is something we call the “couch crazy”. After she eats she gets very excited, wipes her face with her paws, jumps on the couch and flips over somersault style to roll and itch her back. She’ll wait that way for me to come and give her high 5’s and tummy rubs.
What was Abby's diagnosis? Abby was diagnosed with B-cell lymphoma.
When was she first diagnosed? On January 20, 2011.
When did Abby start chemo? She started chemo at the Animal Cancer and Imaging Center in Canton, Michigan on January 24, 2011. She has responded very well to the chemo and her spirits and energy level remain high! Abby is in full remission, but still doing chemo every other week. I think that if she didn't have an IV mark shaved on her leg, no one would believe me that she's having chemo!
When did you decide to admit Abby into the bone marrow transplant unit at NC State, and when does she check in? Abby is scheduled to receive a life saving bone marrow transplant at North Carolina State University on April 21.
Tell us about Abby in your own words – what do you want people to know? This is an expensive procedure, but it’s the only way to save Abby’s life. That’s why I’m appealing to Abby’s many friends and dog lovers everywhere to help offset the cost of this cutting edge treatment. Together, I know we can raise the $10,000 remaining to make this life saving treatment a reality for Abby!
Most Sincerely,
Jessie- Abby's Mom
UPDATE Wednesday April 12, 2012
We share this news with the heaviest of hearts. Our dear friend passed away after a 16 month battle with lymphoma. Abby received a canine bone marrow transplant at NC State, however sometimes even the best technology isn't enough to slay this beast called cancer. Abby was a fun loving girl who enjoyed hanging with her mom in the stables.
Everyone who met Abby loved her, and she will be missed by her human and fur friends - there are so many. Abby was a canine cancer hero and a pioneer for everyone who has battled canine cancer with their pups. Abby's strong spirit and her mom's determination are an inspiration to everyone who knows them. Abby left this world a better place, and we are honored to keep her legacy alive. Please keep Abby's mom and family in your thoughts as they learn to cope with the loss of their best friend. Rest In Peace Abby. You will be forever loved and missed. XO
Most Sincerely,
Save-An-Angel
UPDATE Wednesday August 17, 2011
(via Abby's Mom) It's been 3 months yesterday since Abby has been home after her bone marrow transplant. She just had a vet check-up and is happy, healthy and CANCER FREE! A heartfelt thank you to all who contributed money to Abby's fund and to everyone who prayed for her and to the great oncology staff at NC State! Abby is energetic, happy, and loving every minute of her second chance at life!
Jessie- Abby's Mom
UPDATE Wednesday June 1, 2011
It's been 3 months yesterday since Abby has been home after her bone marrow transplant. She just had a vet check-up and is happy, healthy and CANCER FREE! A heartfelt thank you to all who contributed money to Abby's fund and to everyone who prayed for her and to the great oncology staff at NC State! Abby is energetic, happy, and loving every minute of her second chance at life!
Platelets holding strong at 41k. Hoping for a few more since Friday's count, but we'll take it!
Jessie- Abby's Mom
UPDATE Friday May 27, 2011
Feeling great! Very unhappy with bed rest, but the platelets aren't totally cooperating yet! This can be normal. Mom's biggest challenge is keeping me quiet and resting!Jessie- Abby's Mom
UPDATE Wednesday May 18, 2011
Big Thanks to all of Abby's friends and supporters who helped make her transplant possible. We couldn't have done it without you! Abby is settled in at home. She feels great and is loving her second chance at lifeJessie- Abby's Mom
UPDATE Tuesday May 17, 2011
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Abby checked into NCSU as a cancer patient, and checked out as a SURVIVOR!!! Congratulations Abby and family. :) And Thank you to everyone who donated prayed chanted and shared Abby story so that she could receive the CURE! Abbys on the road to recovery. : ) |
Most Sincerely, The Sullens Pack
UPDATE Sunday May 15, 2011
Leaving tomorrow morning to get Abby. So excited! I'm sure the other dogs at the clinic will get much more rest once she's gone! I've been told she's definately ready to come home! Can't wait to see her. I think it's been the longest month of my life!Jessie- Abby's Mom
UPDATE Wednesday May 11, 2011
I get to pick up Abby Tuesday! Her neutrophils are at normal levels and her platelet count increases each day. She is anxious to come home and is serenading the whole kennel. She can be quite vocal!Jessie- Abby's Mom
UPDATE Monday May 9, 2011
Yay! Abby is making her own platelets! Moved out of ICU. Eating well and bright eyed.Jessie- Abby's Mom
UPDATE Saturday May 7, 2011
ABBY UPDATE (via Abby Myers Facebook): Abby is doing great. Eating well, starting to get playful! Still in ICU until platelet count is higher, but in good spirits. Big thanks to all the staff at NC State for taking such great care of Abby! I miss her terribly, but I'm not worried because I know she is in good hands.Most Sincerely,
Jessie- Abby's Mom
UPDATE Thursday May 5, 2011
ABBY UPDATE (via Abby Myers Facebook): Abby is doing well today. 1900 neutrophils! Her platelets are very low, however, which is somewhat normal, so she is receiving a blood transfusion today. Big thanks to her pal Petey the Jack Russell for sponsoring her transfusion!Most Sincerely,
Jessie- Abby's Mom
UPDATE Thursday May 5, 2011
ABBY UPDATE (via Abby Myers Facebook): Big day for Abby, she got to go outside today! 1500 neutrophils! Go new bone marrow, go! |
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Most Sincerely,
Jessie- Abby's Mom
UPDATE Tuesday May 3, 2011
ABBY UPDATE (via Abby Myers Facebook): Abby's neutrophils up to 400 today! Yay neutrophils! Platelets are dropping, so she may need a blood transfusion this week, but this is fairly normal. Everything so far has been very "textbook" and we're in the home stretch! Thanks to everyone for their generous support of Abby! Without you this would not be possible!Most Sincerely,
Jessie- Abby's Mom
UPDATE Monday May 2, 2011
ABBY UPDATE (via Abby Myers Facebook): Abby is feeling better today. Eating again and the most exciting news is that her neutrophils hit zero and came back up now to 13! That's not many, but it means that the transplant grafted and her new bone marrow is starting to produce cells!
Most Sincerely,
Jessie- Abby's Mom
UPDATE Sunday May 1, 2011
ABBY UPDATE (via Abby Myers Facebook): Abby received the bone marrow transplant is is recovering fairly smoothly. She is in isolation until her immune sytem can rebuild itself a bit. She has a bit of upset stomach, but that is normal after radiation. The staff at NC State has been great at keeping me updated, and they feel she is recovering well.
Most Sincerely,
Jessie- Abby's Mom
UPDATE Thursday April 28, 2011
Abby doing very well today. Alert and even eating a little.
Most Sincerely,
Jessie- Abby's Mom
UPDATE Wednesday April 27, 2011
Abby recieved a life-saving canine bone marrow transplant this morning at NCSU! Here is what her Mom had to say, "Transplant done! All went well. Now just recovery ahead!"
Most Sincerely,
Jessie- Abby's Mom
UPDATE Wednesday April 27, 2011
ABBY UPDATE: Abby is doing awesome!! She's receiving 2 rounds of radiation before the Dream Team gives her the transplant. Abby's 1st dose of radiation was yesterday and she's scheduled to receive her final dose of radiation today. After that she'll receive the transplant and then we wait and pray that the transplant is a success! Please keep Abby, her family & the other BMT residents in your thoughts prayers, wishes and chants as they make their way to the CURE!
Most Sincerely,
Jessie- Abby's Mom
UPDATE Monday April 25, 2011 PM
ABBY UPDATE (via Abby Myers Facebook): "Abby's cell harvest went very well. They have lots of cells to work with and everything went smoothly!"
CONGRATULATIONS ABBY! Now, she'll undergo full body radiation before they re-implant the stem cells. Please keep Abby & her family in your thoughts, prayers, wishes and chants as she marches one step closer to the CURE! Thank you. :)
UPDATE Monday April 25, 2011 AM
ABBY UPDATE: Abby is scheduled to have her stem cells harvested today. The procedure is painless for humans, and they believe it's painless for dogs as well. The procedure is similar to dialysis. Dr. Wilcox spoke w/Abby's mom yesterday & said Abby is her bright eyed, chipper self! Please keep Abby in your thoughts, prayers, wishes and chants as she takes her final steps toward to CURE! Thank you. :)
UPDATE Thursday April 21, 2011
Abby is officially checked into North Carolina State University where she'll receive a life-saving canine bone marrow transplant! Please keep her in your thoughts, prayers, wishes and chants as she makes her way to the CURE! Thank you. Nurse Kristen was kind enough to take some pics of Abby in her "hotel". Looks like she's doing great! :) |
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UPDATE Wednesday April 20, 2011
Good luck Abby!! Abby is on her way to NC State where she'll receive a life-saving canine bone marrow transplant, aka THE CURE!! Abby was diagnosed with lymphoma and her Mama has been working around the clock to raise enough money to save Abby's life. Please visit this page daily to follow Abby's journey to the CURE! |
Pictured above: Abby is on her way to the cure! 2 hrs down, 11 to go. :) |
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ABBY! 4/1/11
Abby's mama threw her a Birthday Pawty and all of her friends came to celebrate! There were bones, belly rubs and Abby even had an AWESOME Save-An-Angel birthday cake. :) HAPPY BIRTHDAY ABBY!! We hope that there are MANY more to come. Please share Abby's story with your friends!
You can sponsor Abby's next birthday by donating today! Thank you for checking in on Abby. We promise to keep you updated as she makes her way to the cure!
Most Sincerely,
The Sullens Pack
Interview!