Cheli
Cheli’s Story
(by Karyn Vasquez) I don’t think there is anyone out there who knows me and doesn’t know the impact that my beloved Cheli had on my life. He brought me so much love, laughter, and pure happiness all without expecting anything but a good butt noogy and mommy kisses in return.
Sadly on 12.26.2008 he was diagnosed with Lymphoma. I remember the call from the vet as if it was yesterday. She actually got the results back before Christmas but didn’t want to ruin our Christmas so she kindly waited.
After Vic and I had time to digest this news, we, together with Cheli, began our fight. 2009 was probably one of the hardest years I have had to go through. Cheli went through months of Chemo, a couple surgeries, and heart problems but through it all, he wagged his tail and fought as hard as he little body could fight.
He was cancer free for about 6 months and then in December 2009 the cancer had returned. With this came two seizures and eventually his kidney failed and he lost his battle on New Years Day 2010. The picture I have posted was taken just 2 months before he passed. He truly was a Super Dog! His favorite costume by the way!
That day I lost Cheli is the day I lost part of my heart and soul. That is the day that I vowed to do whatever I could do to learn more about what causes cancer in our beloved pets and find a way to eradicate this deadly disease! For those that know me, that is what I do – I find a way.
I may not be able to cure canine cancer but I promise you this:
· I will find a way to bring awareness to the causes of cancer in our pets.
· I will continue with my personal research on the foods and enviromental changes that cause cancer in our pets.
· I will help raise funds to support research on how to treat and cure cancer for both humans and pets alike.
· I will work to help those families struggling with the emotional and financial stress that a cancer diagnosis brings.
And most of all, I will honor my hero, my life, my Cheli.
Sadly I think everyone has had cancer touch their lives in one way or another.
Let’s pull together to honor those that have gone before us and to fight for those still struggling.
Thank you –
Karyn
A cancer-free world starts with one mile, one dog at a time.
“Permanent” – David Cook
A song written for David’s brother who battled cancer for 11 years and eventually lost his fight.
Holding my Cheli during his hard days always made me think of this song.
“Is this the moment where I look you in the eye?
Forgive my broken promise that you’ll never see me cry
And everything, it will surely change
Even if I tell you I won’t go away today
Will you think that you’re all alone
When no one’s there to hold your hand?
When all you know seems so far away
And everything is temporary, rest your head
I’m permanent
I know he’s living in hell every single day
And so I ask, oh God is there some way for me to take his place?
And when they say it’s all touch and go
I wish I could make it go away but still you say
Will you think that you’re all alone
When no one’s there to hold your hand?
When all you know seems so far away
And everything is temporary, rest your head
I’m permanent, I’m permanent
Is this the moment where I look you in the eye?
Forgive my promise that you’ll never see me cry…”
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