Hank Kabel
July 31st ends Sarcoma Awareness Month, so we’d like to end on a positive note. But first a bit of introduction.
Our friend and supported Amy Kabel, much like our founder, Luke Robinson, would not let grief overshadow the loss of her beloved dog Hank to sarcoma. Like Luke, through his love for Malcolm and Murphy, Amy too was moved to pull people together and do something so that Hank’s passing from sarcoma was not the end but merely the beginning. His memory would endure, and the fight against cancer would continue.
What is sarcoma is dogs?
Sarcoma in dogs is a type of cancer that affects various cells in the dog’s body. Most affected cells are associated with connective tissue and are tested positive for malignancy. The terms used to describe various types of sarcoma are directly related to the location of malignant cells. Commonly occurring sarcomas are fibrosarcoma, osteosarcoma and angiosarcoma. Osteosarcoma is the most common type of bone cancer detected in dogs. This sarcoma is invasive and sets in certain bones present in the body. In order to determine the type of sarcoma present, pet owners should seek prompt vet help if any symptoms of sarcoma exist.
Amy writes and tells us briefly about Hank.
“In November of 2012 I stopped by my mom and dad’s house to walk with my sister’s dog Hank. He was her dog and he lived with my mom and dad, but I (Aunt Amy) is the one who loved him the most. I remember Hank lifting his leg to pee on the walk but nothing coming out. I remember Hank looking at me and me asking him if everything was okay. As we continued our walk Hank did pee. On February 1, 2013 my mom called me and said Hank wouldn’t eat his treats and she had made him an appointment at the vet. This scared me because my mom and dad weren’t ones to take animals to the vet very often. My mom explained to the doctor that she thought Hank had a bladder infection. When the doctor came back into the room I heard the second worse news of my life “Hank has cancer.” I couldn’t believe what I was hearing… I thought I was dreaming. The doctor said Hank had sarcoma, a rare cancer of the connective tissue. Hank underwent radiation, 3 chemotherapies and 3 surgeries (the last being at CSU in Colorado) before his cancer metastasized and he passed on November 17, 14. This was the saddest day of my life. I decided to turn our pain into a positive and started a foundation for canine cancer and sarcoma called “The Hank Kabel Sarcoma Foundation” to raise money and awareness for this awful disease. Recently I spoke to the House of Representatives and they voted to make July the “Hank Kabel Sarcoma Awareness Month” in the state of Ohio. Now we just have to go to the senate and on to the governor to sign. This bill will raise awareness for dogs and people with cancer and will be the first of its kind in the United States.”
From June 20, 2016
“I was so happy when I checked my mailbox today and found a package from Congressman Steve Stivers (Ohio) commemorating The Hank Kabel Sarcoma 5 KRun/Walk and recognizing all of us volunteers for helping to raise awareness for canine cancers and sarcomas. This commemoration is in honor of my dog Hank who battled sarcoma, a rare cancer that occurs in the connective tissue of the body. We work towards a day when man’s best friend will no longer suffer from such debilitating diseases by raising money for research into canine cancer and sarcoma. Please join us on July 16th from 9-5 at the Fairfield County Fairgrounds for our 5 K Run/Walk to raise money and awareness for canine cancer and sarcoma. 1 in 3 dogs will get cancer and 50% will pass of this disease. It is our job to stand up for our furry family members and show our unconditional love to them, like they show to us.”
The most important take-away from the story is this: we are all in this fight together. Whether we focus on a specific cancer like sarcoma, or more general cancer research, like comparative oncology and translational research, there is enough work to go around. The more “ordinary” people become extraordinary because of the love of their animals, the more likely we are to eventually get a handle on the disease. There is room for everyone in this fight.
