Chino: A Long Life Ahead Thanks to Surgery

Dear Dr. Agnes Varis, I would like to thank you very much for the grant from the Zeus Varis Fund and Frankie's Friends that helped fund my dog Chino's surgery. Chino had multiple masses on his skin removed which were mast cell tumors.

If it wasn't for my vet, Dr. Mann at Brooklyn Cares, who called and told me to contact Frankie's Friends to see if I qualified for help from the Zeus Varis Fund, I don't know what I would've done.  I'm very grateful to Bonni, who set Chino up at the NYC Veterinary Specialists Hospital with Dr. Kyles. I would not have been able to afford the surgery that Chino needed otherwise. Your gift made it possible for the tumors to be removed and allowed Chino to be with his family a lot longer. I can't tell you how grateful I am to not have had to make another decision just because I could not afford the surgery.

Chino is doing very well and is getting lots of rest. I know he can't wait to be out and about. Once again, giving thanks to you, Dr. Varis, and all who took part in helping me get Chino's surgery.

Sincerely,

Manuel M. and Chino

Boo-Boo Kitty: Staying Home & Feeling Better

Dear Dr. Varis, My name is Boo-Boo Kitty; I live with my Mommy and two other cats in New York City.  I had a sister named Domino, but she got very sick and left us a few years ago, Mommy was very sad for a very long time.  I don’t understand where Domino went, I think about her from time to time and I miss her.

I haven’t been feeling very well lately, my throat is swollen and hurts when I eat. My Mommy was very worried so she took me to the vet; Mommy hoped that I could just get a shot to make me feel better.  I had a test called a biopsy, it really hurt. When Mommy brought me home I was very happy to be home with my house mates but I didn’t like the medicine that Mommy had to give me for the pain.

The vet called a few days later and said that I have something called lymphoma and that was causing the glands in my throat to swell.  I didn’t know what that meant but I hoped that the medicines would make me feel better.   Mommy was still very worried, I sat very close to her so she could see I was alright.  I tried to be brave, but I just felt so weak. Mommy said that she couldn’t get treatment for me and she may have to let me go, but I didn't understand, my throat hurt, I didn’t want to go anywhere.

At night I sleep next to Mommy on my pillow, but the sounds my swollen glands make when I breath keep her awake and make her worry more.  Mommy says that she is going to try and keep me comfortable for as long as she can, I don't like the sound of that.  I’m afraid that I won't get better and will have to leave, but go where? I’m very scared, I hope I don’t have to go where Domino went, that would make Mommy very sad.

The vet called Mommy and told her about Frankie's Friends, I didn’t know who Frankie was, but it made Mommy very happy, she made a lot of phone calls and she seems very hopeful now.  Mommy says that because of you, I can go to another vet now, and get treatment for my lymphoma.  Thank you so much for helping my Mommy receive treatment for me.  I don't have to worry about leaving my home and my housemates anymore.  I promise to be a good patient and take all of my medicines so that I can get better.

Thank you again.

Boo-Boo Kitty

Harlem, NY



Toby: Purrs, Licks and Bunny Kicks

Dear Dr. Varis, Toby is a rough and tumble, yet very needy, meowy kitty that has never had any medical issues besides bad teeth.  He is only eight-years-old and I always imagined he would outlast Miso (an eight-year-old Abyssinian with frequent health problems) and live even longer than my childhood cats into his twenties.  To learn that he faces a much tougher road was absolutely shocking and devastating.  It was one of the most horrible weeks of my life.  Although he had been getting sick for several weeks, he did not seem to feel bad or act differently until two days before the official diagnosis of lymphoma.  He lost so much weight and the luster of his fluffy coat.  He refused food, water and snuggles and did not seem like the same cat.

Day by day, Toby has shown marked improvement since beginning chemotherapy in early August.  Within a few days, he started eating and drinking again, then purring and walking around with his big red ribbon.  The next week, he returned to cuddling and neck licking (ouch! but love it more than ever now) and his trademark meowing at any and all times.  Then he started tackling, attacking and biting, although I don't think Miso is very happy that's back!  Yesterday, he resumed jumping, catching and bunny kicking his toys.  I cave much more frequently to his cries to be held and carried around like a toddler and I am appreciating every moment of it.

Just before Toby's diagnosis, I learned that my job would end before Labor Day.  In addition, only a few weeks before that, Miso suffered a severe heat stroke and required expensive overnight treatment.  Little did I know that while we waited anxiously to determine if she had suffered irreversible damage, Toby was facing his own arduous battle.  It was absolutely heartbreaking and financially overwhelming.  I was not sure how we were going to get by.

I cannot thank you enough for your financial, medical and emotional support.  Bonni was incredibly caring, thoughtful and encouraging and provided comfort and light during such a dark time.  We are extremely grateful for the Zeus Varis fund and your generous, loving commitment to animals and their families.

Much gratitude and kindest regards,

Amber, Miso & Toby

A Hopeful Future for Mimou

Dear Dr. Agnes Varis, Words cannot express how thankful and grateful my husband and I are for receiving funding from the Zeus Varis Fund. Learning that Mimou, our 12-year-old beloved cat, had cancer was devastating and we are still processing the sad news. Mimou, a short hair domestic cat with adorable green eyes, is the most loving cat and loves to cuddle!

It was an unbelievable relief to be approved for a grant earlier this week and be able to start his chemotherapy treatment right away. Knowing that we can now provide Mimou with the best possible treatment and quality of life is a truly invaluable gift to us.

Please receive our most sincere appreciation for your precious help and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Isabelle & Paul

Helping Molly Fight Lymphoma

I would like to start off by thanking you so much for giving us a grant towards our dog's chemo treatment for lymphoma. Our dog is a golden retriever named Molly, who will be nine years old this month. We got Molly when she was eight-weeks-old and she has been a  joy ever since. When she was about six months old, my husband taught her to get the newspaper and she's been getting it ever since; no matter how heavy it is she will bring it to him. Then he taught her to get the mail from the mailman who puts a rubber band around the mail so it doesn't fall over, he even has the substitute mailmen do the same thing.

In May of 2008, we took Molly to the emergency vet, who sent us to a specialist for her lungs. She had Pulmonary Bolla (Pneumothorax), which she survived, thanks to the wonderful facility we took her to. In April of 2009, we took Molly to our vet, Dr. Michael Canfield who spotted a melanoma under her tongue. He recommended Dr. Curtis Kane of Florida Veterinarian Specialists, who gave her four radiation treatments. Fortunately she did very well. In June 2010 we took Molly to our vet for her check-up and he found she had lymphoma. We took her back to Dr. Kane, who confirmed it. She is still undergoing treatment.

As of this date, we have spent $19,000.00 for various reasons on Molly. Frankie's Friends helping us makes our life a lot easier knowing we are receiving help for our terrific dog, Molly.

God Bless Frankie's Friends, Dr. Curtis Kane and Dr. Michael Canfield for their special caring of animals.

Very truly yours,

Judythe & Arthur Unfricht

Remembering Onyx With Love & Gratitude

Thank you so very much for all of your support and compassion throughout this very difficult time. Onyx and I appreciate all of the help that you and Frankie's Friends have given us. There aren't words that can even begin to express how grateful we are. You made us part of your family. You treated us both with love, compassion and respect and gave us hope when we thought there was none. Bonni, you were there with me through one of the most saddest and difficult times in my life. You reassured me that I was doing the right thing and stressed how lucky my Onyx was to have me for his mom.  All I can do is stress how fortunate Onyx and I were to have you, Frankie's Friends and all of the great doctors and staff at NYC Veterinary Specialists by our side.

Although my heart is still heavy, it is bursting with gratitude for all of your help. Thank you for taking such good care of my Onyx. Thank you all for loving all of the beautiful pets that you guys take care of each and everyday.

God bless each and every one of you. You guys are truly a blessing to all pet parents. I will be forever grateful for all of you.

Sincerely,

Mary & Onyx aka Mr. Man

Extra Time Spent With Klowdy

Dear Dr. Agnes Varis, I would like to thank you for the support from the  Zeus Varis Fund and Frankie's Friends during my dog Klowdy's chemotherapy treatments for her lymphoma.Without your help, Klowdy would probably not have been around for another year after she was diagnosed in April 2009. With school loans and other bills, it was certainly difficult to treat Klowdy and afford the treatments, I am grateful for everything, from the support at NYCVS and Frankie's Friends. Although Klowdy recently passed away, I know I did my best in trying to prolong her life with lymphoma, thanks to the Zeus Varis Funds. I will definitely miss my best friend of nine years, but I know she is in a better place now. Klowdy gave me the best nine years!!!

Thank you greatly Dr. Agnes Varis!

Sincerely, Catherine K. & Klowdy

BJ Is Back to Being Warm & Fuzzy

BJ will be 13 this October. He was brought into the animal hospital to be euthanized three days shy of his 10th birthday. The vet had the owner relinquish him and long story short, he has since wiggled his way into my heart and home.  He has been the sweetest, most mellow dog I have ever known. This was a welcomed addition to my now soon to be 15-year-old mixed breed Lady (who was also scheduled to be euthanized by an owner who did not want her at the age of eight) and my three-year-old crazy cat Dinky (who was found on the side of the road at two weeks of age). In April I noticed that BJ's lymph nodes were enlarged and he was diagnosed with lymphoma. My heart sank as I had just lost my favorite aunt to lymphoma earlier that month after a 10-year remission. Immediately I was interested in pursuing chemo in hopes of achieving the ultimate goal of remission for my sweet baby boy. The nurse gave me the estimate and I started to cry because there was no way that I would be able to afford the treatment. I decided to take it one week at a time and approved the first treatment and swiped my nearly maxed out credit card. The nurse and vet then turned my world right side up again when they mentioned Frankie’s Friends. To my delight BJ was approved for 75 percent coverage!

After his first treatment his lymph nodes literally shrank right before my eyes…unbelievable! He just received the third treatment of the Madison-Wisconsin protocol and his lymph nodes are now normal sizes. He did suffer from vomiting and diarrhea after the second treatment but that was short-lived with the help of anti-diarrheal and anti-nausea medication. He is back to his normal self and is just as warm and fuzzy as ever.

The stars have shined on us thanks to Frankie’s Friends. I saw a picture and story of Frankie and lit a candle in his honor. I plan on donating regularly to the fund as soon as I get back on my feet. This support has literally saved BJ's life and for that I will be eternally grateful.

Thank you again for all your thoughtfulness and support,

xoxo

BJ and mom

Gem Glick Update: After a Long Road, He's Doing Great

Dear Dr. Varis, There are not enough words that can accurately express my gratitude to you.  Your generosity has afforded me the opportunity to continue celebrating my friend Jason’s legacy through Gem.

After my dear friend’s passing I was certain that things could not get any worse, but they did, his dog and best friend Gem was diagnosed with Lymphoma just two short weeks after.  I was left feeling lifeless.  Not only did I endure the passing of a dear friend, I was then left wondering how I was going to care for Gem.  The diagnosis did not seem promising, until I was introduced to your foundation.

After reading your story I was deeply saddened to learn that Zeus’s life was cut short.   Your story was truly inspirational.  I spent many days hoping and praying that Gem’s quality of life would be like Zeus’s and other animals you have helped.  When my phone rang that day at work and Bonnie told me that the Zeus Varis Fund would be assisting Gem with chemo treatments, I was certain that Gem would have every opportunity to enjoy a full and happy life.  Since beginning treatment, Gem has been gaining strength and enjoying life just like the good old days.  I know I can rest easy knowing that Gem is receiving the very best care, thanks to your generosity.

This journey for me has been one filled with many emotions.  Gem’s zest for life has provided me with so much strength during this extremely tough time in my life.  Everyday I am so grateful for what you have done for me, Gem and Tiggie.  Even though Jason is not here anymore, I am certain his spirit lives on through Gem, and for that I am forever grateful to you.

Many Thanks,

Lauren Glick, Gem and Tiggie

Q.B. is Feeling Like a Cutie!

I would like to thank everyone who made funding possible for our dog Q.B. I appreciate Frankie's Friends' help so that Q.B could have cancer treatment. I never thought Q.B would be diagnosed with lymphoma. He is such a sweet and loving dog who's been through a lot in his years. When he was 3-weeks-old he had major surgery to fix his jaw. Sadly, his previous owner left him at the hospital and never came back for him.  Q.B was put up for adoption, and I took him home.  I felt Q.B and I were meant for each other.

He is such a beautiful pit bull who has had years of happiness and lots of love in his life. When I got the news that Q.B has lymphoma, it crushed my heart. Both of my parents are cancer survivors, so we have gone through this before, but it was still heartbreaking to me and my parents, to find out about Q.B.'s cancer diagnosis.

I am so grateful to Dr. Agnes Varis and Frankie's Friends for making this possible for Q.B.

From Q.B. and his grateful family

Simon Is Back to Purring

Dear Dr. Agnes Varis, I just wanted to thank you so much for your wonderful help for Simon. It has been a really tough time both mentally and financially for me and my family since Simon's diagnose and his treatment. When he was diagnosed with lymphoma, it was devastating news because I really thought there is nothing I can do to help him feel better. He couldn't breathe well, and he continued to loose his appetite. He is such a precious pet, because he was there for me comforting and cheering me up everyday for a decade. When I heard that there was such a generous person who would help us, I just cried and smiled simultaneously because I really felt like it was an answer to my prayers. With your generous help and Dr. Oberthaler's and oncology department staffs' care, Simon is doing very well so far. He is eating and breathing well, his quality of life has improved so much. Thank you very much for helping us. I really appreciate your kindness.

Sincerely,

Chiyoko

Senorita's Blessings

Dear Dr.Varis, I write to thank you on behalf of our dog Senorita.  Senorita has begun her treatment thanks to the generosity of the Zeus Varis Fund of Frankie's Friends, and she is doing great.  Senorita is not only my dog, she belongs to the whole parish family of St.Joseph of the Holy Family located right on 125th St. in Harlem.  Senorita came to us 12yrs ago as an abandoned little puppy and she quickly adopted us.  She has not only been an honored member of our family she has done an incredible job of watching over the parish for the last 12 years.  She is loving and kind to all our folks and has received much love in return.  Five years ago my mother came to live with us as a result of health concerns.  The move was a difficult one, leaving a home she had lived in for many years and familiar surroundings.  Senorita solved the problem right away, she became my mother's best friend and daily companion.

I believe that Senorita's presence in my mother's life has made a discernible difference in the quality of her life these past five years.  She fusses over Senorita daily and in return is given love and devotion by Senorita.  They make quite a pair.  Senorita is also valued by the parish in general.  Everyone knows her as she is the official "welcome wagon" at the front door, ready to sniff, wag her tail and with the occasional bark for anyone she deems suspicious!  I can't tell you how happy we are to be able to see her improve in health and spirits these past few weeks.

On behalf of everyone here, I want to thank you and assure you of our prayers and best wishes for the good work your foundation is doing.  While I am a diocesan priest, Fr. Neal O'Connell a Franciscan lives and works in the parish, so he adds a special Franciscan blessing to all animals and to all who love and care for them.  Each Feast of St. Francis we have a blessing of the animals in the church, this year we will remember in a special way all the pets who have been helped and continue to be helped by your generosity.  We will also continue to pray for you and the good work you do.  One other member of the family wants to say thank you, and that is Paddington our other dog, who would be lost without Senorita.

Peace!

Rev. Philip J. Kelly Pastor

Great Karma! Krisna Gets Surgery

Dear Dr. Agnes Varis, On January 29th, 2010 my dog, Krisna, a German Sheppard mix, was diagnosed with Fibro sarcoma cancer which later turned out to be Melanoma. This diagnosis came one week before my birthday. Words can not describe how devastating this time was for me.  Krisna has been a significant part and love of my life for over 14 years. The vet said there was nothing they could do further, so I researched this terminal disease online. This is how I came across the NYC Veterinary Specialists. Out of all the veterinary oncology teams out there NYCVS seemed to be the best.

Since the moment I walked into the hospital on February 10th, I knew I made the right choice. Everyone was extremely helpful and considerate of Krishna’s and my own well being. Dr. Karen Oberthaler took extra time out of her busy schedule to explain the disease to me and what the possible treatments were, as I was extremely nervous of making the right decision. As it turned out, surgery was the best and only option for Krisna, to remove the tumor out of her mouth. However the cost of the surgery was way past the amount I could afford as I hardly had any employment in 2009 and therefore I was worried I would not be able to save Krisna’s life. As I was waiting in the examination room Bonni Voiland introduced herself as the executive director of Frankie’s Friends and explained to me what the foundation does and that the Zues Varis fund would be able to help me fund the surgery.

Dr.Oberthler and the oncology team’s services, along with your generous contribution saved Krisna’s life. I can’t describe my gratitude to you giving Krisna another opportunity at life. Because of this miracle she is now able to live a normal-quality full-term life. I only wish that you and the entire hospital experience the joy and happiness in your lives that I feel at this time.

I asked Bonni what I could do to help Frankie’s Friends and if she had any extra fliers for me to give out. At the time I was working at the Gershwin Theatre where the Broadway show Wicked was being performed and Bonni mentioned to me that Wicked happened to be her favorite Broadway show. So, I passed along one of those fliers and told the theatre's company manager the miraculous story of the help Krisna and I received.  I hoped to get just a few tickets as a thank you to give to you, Bonni, Dr. Oberthaler, and the oncology team. The company manager ended up donating 100 tickets to Frankie’s friends and NYCVS so that the whole hospital could attend Wicked on Thursday March 4th. I was hoping to meet you at the performance  so that I could personally thank you, but Bonni informed me that you were unable to attend. You were missed and in my thoughts that night.

This sums up the amazing story of how you and Frankie’s Friends saved Krisna’s life! Up to this date, she is doing great and living a high-quality of life; eating and drinking normally and playing with her toys and stuffed animals that she loves. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you! Best wishes to you and your family and all the staff at NYCVS!

With all of our love,

Krisna and Zofia

Meilo's Golden Years

My dog, Meilo, and I are recent beneficiaries of a grant from the Zeus Varis Fund to cover treatment for Meilo’s oral melanoma.  I send this letter to express my thanks to you for your tremendous generosity.  I am just overwhelmed by our good fortune and your remarkable altruism. Meilo is a male, apricot, mini-poodle.  He is 15 and ½ years old, deaf and has no teeth.  It is my understanding that they were removed due to infection (the same infection that impaired his hearing) at some point in the last five years.  Meilo came to me last June when his original owner, Dr. David Bauer, a pediatrician at NY Hospital, passed away due to complications of multiple sclerosis.  Dr. Bauer was confined to a wheelchair and had around-the-clock live-in nursing care in the last months of his life.  Meilo was his best friend and companion.

As a volunteer for the Jewish Association for Services for the Aged (JASA) in their Pets Project program, I was one of many who received an email plea for Meilo’s foster care on Dr. Bauer’s passing.  I was in also in a prime position to foster Meilo; as a graduate student of social work at Fordham University, I had a full month off from study/work obligations.  I took Meilo on and worked with JASA to find him a permanent home, but we never managed to engage a serious adopter.  This was lucky for me, because by the end of the month, Meilo had settled into my home (and my heart) and I was set on keeping him.

Without Zeus Varis funding, I simply would not have been in a position to opt for the treatment recommended and provided by Dr. Rocha and NYC Veterinary Specialists.  Words are inadequate to express my gratitude for having that option made possible.  I lost hours of sleep wondering, in those days that passed between Meilo’s tissue biopsy and a definitive diagnosis, how I would bring myself to say “I don’t have the money.  I have to decline treatment.”  After all that had been invested in Meilo to date, to come to a moment where there was a remedy at hand, only to be in an unaccommodating financial position was just unbearable.  Thanks to the Zeus Varis Fund, that bleak scenario was not realized.

Meilo had tumor and lymph node removal surgery with Dr. Kyles on April 22.  His recovery is nothing short of remarkable, given his age, and that the surgery necessitated the partial reconstruction of his lip. He received his first melanoma vaccine on May 12, with 3 more rounds to go through mid-July.

Meilo’s restored health could not come at a better time.  He so loves to take long walks and sit outside with me in the temperate weather.  Whenever possible, he accompanies me on outings and errands.  He is the center of attention in the wagon at Home Depot, and is the recipient of treats all along the avenue, from the dry-cleaner to the wine shop.  After years of being the only dog in the house, Meilo has taken beautifully to sharing space and affection with my 10-year-old Boston Terrier, Truman.  Truman may be a bully-breed, but it’s Meilo who regularly lets everyone know who’s boss!  Meilo also enjoys weekly visits with my mother’s five-year-old rescued Foxhound, Pearlie Mae.  He is a joy to everyone in my family, and is the “preferred” pup to bring on visits to the home of my six-year-old niece and nine-year-old nephew.

Again, Dr. Varis, thank you so much for providing the means to cover the costs of Meilo’s cancer treatment.  Meilo is such a joy, and though he’s 15+, he’s still new to me!  I certainly was not ready to part with him, or even consider doing so.  I am so grateful that this is no longer an immediate concern.

With warm regards,

Michele

Atticus Finch Fighting the Toughest Case of His Life

Atticus Finch is my four-year-old boxer.  He is sweet,  kind-of-lazy, comical and definitely in charge of his other fur siblings.  I got him at 10-months-old from a young couple who were recently married and had more dogs than they could care for.  He was bought for my female boxer who seemed depressed after the death of her doberman buddy just a couple of months ago.  While she did love Atticus she didn't perk up like my daughter and I expected and we shortly found out she had a brain tumor, so at three years we had to euthanize her. As time went on Atticus got a little chunky so we put him on a diet.  One year later he lost some weight....then more....then more. Everyone commented how good he looked but I felt it was too sudden a weight loss to be normal.  During his yearly routine exam, the vet commented on how good he looked but seemed a little quiet when I mentioned the "sudden" weight loss. After examining him he had me feel two lymph nodes behind his knees.  They were quite enlarged and I knew that combined with the weight loss this was not likely an infection.  My vet treated him with antibiotics but on recheck all of his lymph nodes were now enlarged.  I could not believe I was facing cancer yet again in a young dog!

I didn't want to sit by once again, watching one of my dogs dying in front of me.  When my vet told me how much the chemotherapy would cost I spent days trying to figure out how to come up with money I didn't have.  He referred me to Florida Veterinary Specialist oncologist Dr. Kane to see if there was any other options.  FVS got me in right away and Dr. Kane (who is quite awesome!) pretty much gave me the same treatment options and price as my regular vet.  I saw a pamphlet for Frankie's Friends and asked the vet tech about it.  She said she would refer my name to the "powers that be".  It took about three days and I received a call from Bonni Voiland telling me that Atticus was approved for Frankie's Friends and FVS to cover the cost of his chemo with a small co-pay from me every week!

Words cannot express the joy I felt knowing that Atticus would get the opportunity to fight this lymphoma that was trying to take him away at such a young age.  I felt that I had won the lottery! How can I explain how much hope is worth in mere words?

Atticus has started his treatment and is doing well so far.  He is a young, strong dog so I have faith that he will do well.  If it were not for Frankie's Friends, Bonni and Dr. Kane,  Atticus would probably not be here but for another couple of weeks.  You are all awesome and I am encouraging everyone I know to donate so the next dog with lymphoma can be give the same hope Atticus is being given.

In Gratitude,

Maureen

More Time Spent With Nena

I want to take this time to express my gratitude for all the help I have received in the last few weeks at NYC Veterinary Hospital. I want to thank Dr. Varis for the Zeus Varis Fund and Bonni Voiland, Executive Director of Frankie's Friends Pet Foundation, and also Dr. Mark Greenberg. I would have still been struggling to fend for the help I needed to help my cat Nena without the combined efforts of you wonderful people.

Thank you,

Ben

Juneau: On the Road to Recovery

A big sigh of relief is being breathed by Juneau's family after his last chemo treatment. Juneau will follow up with Dr. Kane monthly.  We are hoping and praying for a long remission.  We know he can't and won't live forever, but we can't imagine our lives without him.  He is such a funny and happy dog, and brings us joy every single day.  He has been such a good sport about all of his chemo! Thanks again to the awesome docs at FMV

Alan and Lisa

A Boxer's Fight: Diva

I cannot adequately express my thanks for your generous help with my dog Diva's cancer care.  I have been unemployed since June of 2009 and it is has been increasingly difficult to make ends meet.  Your kind gift will literally extend the life of one of the sweetest and gentlest boxers that many have encountered. In your debt,

Sincerely,

David