Please join me on my journey of "Max's Walk Against HSA," a fundraising initiative dedicated to raising awareness and support for Canine Hemangiosarcoma research.

As many of you know, Max, my rescued pitbull mix, was my heart and soul for over 9 years, from the moment we adopted him from a rescue at 9 months old to the moment he took his final breath, to right now, as I try to fill my soul with his memories. He was a happy, loving, energetic boy who was equally happy to snuggle up on the couch as he was to go on a walk, car ride, or other adventure. He had an endless supply of love for every single person he met while also being incredibly loyal to his family. He truly showed me what unconditional love is.

I never expected to lose him at just 10 years old to this awful cancer called Hemangiosarcoma. He was never sick a single day in his life until that awful day, August 3, 2024. He showed no signs or symptoms until late in the evening on August 3, and we had to say goodbye (not goodbye, just "see ya later, Bubbies,") at 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, August 4, 2024 at the emergency vet clinic. Nothing can describe the feeling of walking into a vet's clinic thinking your pup just needs a little TLC to feel better and then walking out 3 hours later carrying their collar, leash, and paw prints. Shattered is the only word I can think of, and it's not sufficient to describe the incredible void left behind.

But, true to Max's spirit, I feel driven to do something that will not only help others who are dealing with or have dealt with this horrific disease, but also to do something that will be good for me physically, mentally, and emotionally.

In honor of the amazing spirit of my best friend and soulmate, Max, I am pledging to walk 150 miles by the end of the year, December 31, 2024. This breaks down to about 10 miles per week.

I invite you to join me by taking your own honorary walk for Max. If you cannot donate financially, please walk one (or more) of my miles for me. Take a walk with your dog, take a hike, jog, or run - whatever you enjoy most - and share your experience and photos using the hashtag #MaxsWalkAgainstHSA. Together, we can spread awareness about Canine Hemangiosarcoma, raise funds to help research efforts in preventing and treating Canine HSA, and honor my Best Boy, Max, as well as the many other dogs and families affected by this monster of a disease (including Gracie, Stella, Winston, Squirty, and Zoey, just a few of the affected dogs I know of).

ABOUT CANINE HEMANGIOSARCOMA:
Hemangiosarcoma is a common and extremely invasive cancer in dogs. It is estimated that 2/3 of splenic and cardiac masses in dogs will be Hemangiosarcoma. In some breeds such as Golden Retrievers, it is estimated 1 in 5 dogs will get diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma (according to the lifetime study by Morris Animal Foundation).

Hemangiosarcoma is a blood cancer that affects organs such as the heart, spleen, skin, liver and other internal organs. Often, it presents very little to no signs until it is too late. It invades these areas and spreads rapidly, causing internal bleeding and often rupturing these vital organs. Even if miraculously caught early, the prognosis for it is usually only a few weeks or months of prolonged life. Despite this prevalence and poor prognosis, what we know of it hasn’t changed much in 10 years.

Your support during this campaign will significantly contribute to the Morris Animal Foundation's Hemangiosarcoma Research Initiative (morrisanimalfoundation.org/article/hemangiosarcoma-initiative). All funds raised will go directly to vital research efforts aimed at understanding and ultimately finding a cure for this devastating disease. By participating, you not only honor Max but also help countless dogs and their families fight this battle. Let's lace up our sneakers and make a difference, one mile at a time!

ABOUT MORRIS ANIMAL FOUNDATION:
Morris Animal Foundation is a nonprofit organization that funds science to advance the health of animals around the world. Since its founding in 1948, the Foundation has invested over $149 million in more than 2,940 studies that have led to significant breakthroughs in diagnostics, treatments and preventions to benefit animals worldwide.

Please help me support advancing the health of animals everywhere by contributing to my fundraiser and sharing this page with your friends and family. Every dollar we raise will advance this great cause!