I can't thank Emma's Foundation enough for providing timely assistance to my pup's darkest hours of his life. They are incredibly compassionate and thoughtful. It all started back in December 2020, my 12 year old boy "Beppo", a healthy silver standard poodle, suddenly became limp with his right hind leg and it swelled to the size of a ham. After a few trips to the local emergency vet without improvements, I drove him down to Manchester NH to see a specialist. After 5 days of stay, a $7500 medical bill, and a bone deep surgical wound, the swelling was drained but they couldn't positively identify the cause. Back in Vermont I took my boy to the local vet daily for his sterile wound cleaning and bandage change. Then one day his abdomen and his back swelled up with four large tender nodules. My vet referred us to Peak and Dr. Goossens was able to diagnose his strange illness: it was a very rare form of slow growing pancreatic cancer. Only two existing cases were documented in the medical journals. After another major surgery and now weekly chemotherapy, my 12 year old pup is running again. Oncologist Dr. Zwahlen knew Beppo's treatment would be expensive, so she told me about Emma Foundation and encouraged me to apply. Due to the reason that I took a major pay cut to start a new career in a brand new field, the weekly chemotherapy and bi-monthly check up is going to be very expensive. I sent my application to Emma and quickly received a response from Tina. Emma not only agreed to donate a sizable amount of money to Beppo's treatment, but a kindhearted stranger learned about Beppo's story from Emma's website and she personally made a donation as well. (A big shout out to Sima. :)) I also received email followups from Emma asking for Beppo's update because a lot of people learned about his story on their website. Emma is truly an amazing charity. (RIP Emma. I know you are getting lots of tasty treats and belly rubs in heaven.)
Emma's Foundation helped me keep my dog Chance alive, and more importantly happy/comfortable while I was in medical school. My mom died when I was a kid. My dad is not in the picture. I have no siblings. My grandparents are all dead. I did not have a girlfriend at the time. I had friends in medical school but it is an incredibly isolating experience especially given my situation at the time. My black lab, Chance, was sick with a peripheral nerve sheath tumor. I took him everywhere with me. Before medical school, I took him to my firehouse/ambulance bay. If I went out for fast food or went on errands, Chance was riding shotgun. I even snuck him into the dorms in undergrad for my friends to hang out with him when I was in class. In medical school, I'd study outside on a college campus my program was based out of. Both chance, undergrad students, and medical students all had a good time interacting with each other. He made a lot of first responders and students happy over his lifetime. As I ended my 2nd year of medical school and started preparing for boards, he started to limp. After a couple misdiagnoses, he was found to have a very large peripheral nerve sheath tumor. It was inoperable and the chances of medical or radiological help were scant. I found a pilot program using monoclonal antibodies on dogs and a center a state away that would perform stereotactic radiation on his leg. Emma's Foundation was one of many organizations along with dozens of friends and strangers that amassed an astounding amount of money to pay for his treatment. The tumor receded in size and he happily ran around during COVID quartantine days with my Godson, Goddaughter, and their dog while I studied for my second board exam. Clinicals had been cancelled so I got to be with him night and day for almost the entire year in a serene country setting while I studied and cared for the kids along with my best friend. He ended up developing lung metastases after about a year and a half and I eventually had to put him to sleep. He met thousands of people, and kept ME going throughout a very hard time in my life. I am so unbelievable grateful for the time we had at the end. We went for burgers and ice cream daily and played with the kids. It was truly an amazing year. The world had fallen apart, but we were in a lovely place having an unforgettable time together. He died right before I became a physician. I swore I'd never be able to go through that pain again. Last May, my girlfriend was having a hard time with depression, and I made an impulsive choice to take her to the pound. We found two little puppies who appear to a black lab and whippet mix that were inseparable. I naturally eyed the boy, the one with the dominant black lab appearance. His sister wailed as we took him to play with us, my girlfriend gave me a look, and the rest is history. We took them home together where they are with her 24/7 while she works online. We named them Ash and Misty like the trainers from Pokemon because they are always antagonizing each other. I'm finishing residency in a few weeks and at least Ash, maybe Misty depending on her training progress, will be present in my office as therapy dogs for the children I tend to.
I want to say from the bottom of my heart you did a tremendous act of service and mercy, giving me that opportunity. I was severely burned out from being a firefighter and medic for 12 years, and had a very cynical view on life. It was horrible when Chance got sick, but the overwhelming amount of help we got from strangers saved my soul. I'm a happy, grateful person again.
One day when my practice is established and thriving I will be paying back every organizational and personal donation ten times over. I decided that years ago and have never waivered in my plans to do so.
Thank you for the mercy you showed me, and Chance. Thank you for the incredible time we had together. God bless.
Photos attached include Chance, and then our current dogs Ash and Misty!
P.S. PLEASE get pet insurance. My life would have been so much easier. These two knuckleheads have had a couple ER visits and it has been such a blessing having insurance. I wouldn't have had to sell most of my possessions and beg people for help with Chance if I had had it!
"EMMA'S FOUNDATION FOR CANINE CANCER"
IS A VERY DEDICATED AND DESERVING CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION WHO WAS
THERE FOR ME AND MY BEAUTIFUL, SWEET, SILLY BOY "DRAKE" in our urgent time of need!
Because of EMMA'S FOUNDATION, other
Animal Cancer Charities and HEAVEN SENT private caring individuals out there, I was given almost another 2 years with my sweetheart.
I can't THANK YOU enough for the love, hope, kindness and support that you showed us! I will be FOREVER grateful to you, your volunteers and booster members.
ALL MY LOVE,
ERIN & ("ANGEL DRAKE") MULVANEY
Hello. We are the Martinez Rosario family and we are writing to share the deep gratitude we have for Tina and Ron at Emma's Foundation and all the people who donate to this organization to support other families. Our animal companion Reina was diagnosed with a Mast Cell Tumor at the age of 9 during the Fall of 2020. To say the least, we were heartbroken and full of fear. When we heard the cost of treatment, quite frankly, it was almost to much to bear. With COVID looming over us all, loss of work and morale, feelings of hopelessness quickly moved in. It was suggested to me to search the web for organizations that could possibly help and that's how I got to Emma's Foundation. I wrote to them and 9 days later they wrote to inform us that they would be providing some funding for the treatment. This was our response then and how we still feel. "We are thrilled, grateful and joyous with the grant! Thank you, thank you, thank you! We wholeheartedly accept! Your grant helps in not a small way, but in a very big way and we are deeply moved by your action. You brought a big smile to my face and loud cheer when I read your email." We are a family that was struggling financially just to meet basic needs and so to say the least, Emma's foundation reminded us that there is goodness and generosity in the world in spite of the challenges we face. Reina has recovered well and continues to bring lots of joy into our lives. We encourage people to donate to Emma's foundation so others may find relief with their financial constraints and continue to enjoy life with their animal companions!
I am very sad to write this because my sweetie had terminal malignant cancer. I took my pet 2,000+ miles to a vet for what turned out to be only a consultation because that vet did not provide me the information I needed on the condition my pet had to be in to get the procedure I thought I could get for my pet there. Emmas Foundation was there for us and cheered me up because they gave a charitable contribution to that animal hospital. and it was there already. Although I went ahead with a smaller, infrequent treatment that was beneficial for my pet, I did not want to use the contribution because that was supposed to be for the one-time treatment that could have probably resolved my pet's cancer. So, I contacted the animal hospital and they refused to refund it, and I had the contribution sent to me and I refunded it back to Emmas Foundation. I know Emmas Foundation would have let me keep it to use for the smaller treatment my pet got, but the contribution was intended for the larger surgical procedure that could not yet be done. I was glad to return the contribution for it to be used for someone else's sick pet. The fact that Emmas Foundation had assisted me financially improved my being able to accept that the vet and animal hospital had not had the required courtesy to give me the information I needed before we went that far away, that my pet would not be able to get the surgery without being in the right specific medical condition. I really wanted to help my pet and I was extremely disappointed the vet animal hospital had the nerve to think they were so important owners want to travel that far only for their consultation that was no more than other vets' consultations.
Emmas Foundation is a blessing. Buster was diagnosed with Lymphoma in June. The news was devastating and couldn't have come at a worse time for me physically, emotionally and financially. Chemotherapy treatment is an incredible unforseen financial burden and forces you to make very difficult decisions.
Emmas Foundation was the first and fastest nonprofit to respond to our request. Buster's grant was approved and Tina made the process seamless. We thank everyone at Emmas from the bottom of our hearts for the support, both financially and for all of the knowledge and resources provided. It has been a challenging time and it is comforting to know there are compassionate people out there willing to help.
We had exhausted all funding sources, or so I thought, until we contacted Emma's Foundation. It saved our dear Sophie's life and Tina was so helpful and caring through the entire ordeal. This was two years ago and Sophie (part terrier and part ?) was diagnosed with mammary cancer. We had adopted her only about a year or so before and had grown to love her very much. I was not going to let her suffer but when we found Emma's Foundation, I knew there was hope again. We could not have saved her without the immediate and loving help from this foundation. I have often wished I had money to support them but I am so glad to know they are still out there helping others in our situation.
I contacted Emma's foundation cause my furbaby Sunny,was diagnosed w/lymphoma. This was around March of 2021, so there wasn't many places that could help, because of the pandemic. The 1st time I contacted Emma's, they couldn't help. About a month or 2 later, out of the blue, I got an email from Tina Hatin saying they were donating $600 for Sunnys treatments.( CHOP chemo). I was so surprised & extremely grateful. From then on, Tina would keep in contact with me via email. Tina sent a few more smaller donations ,and genuinely cared about Sunny, Tina would want to know how Sunny was doing & how her chemo was going. I think w/out Emma's foundation, I may not have been able to pay for chemo. Emma's foundation(Tina Hatin) went above & beyond than just donating. I lost my Sunny in August of 2022. But I will forever be grateful to Tina/Emma's❤
Thank you, Nicole
Hi there, I am getting teary eyed writing this because my beautiful Dixie crossed the rainbow bridge in July and I was unemployed for the summer and the vet and the bill experience was awful and I felt money was more important to the business then my dying dog who had lymphoma and the Emma foundation (Tina) made me feel so relieved for her support and most importantly her comforting conversation I had with her the day Dixie crossed I will forever be so grateful for the Emma foundations support I am truly thankful for you help and I hope I can help out someday for them
Emma’s foundation will always have a special place in my heart. When my dog Rieley of nine years was diagnosed with canine cancer I was devastated, she was my whole world, she got me through a divorce, having to move into an apartment and was my support though everything. Having no children of my own she was my fur baby . I was having financial difficulties and didn’t know how I was to pay for her much needed chemo treatments, a friend told me about Emma’s Foundation and I reached out to them. They helped me to pay for a few treatments which prolonged my Rieley’s life, I was able to spend more time with her before I eventually had to say goodbye. I am so grateful. For this foundation that being an artist I am painting some landscapes and things and getting prints made into cards, which I am about to sell at a local pet supply store and have some of the profits get donated to Emma’s foundation. I am more than happy to give back to them after everything they have done to support me . Sincerely Renee Cipri White
Emma’s Foundation for Canines with Cancer helped Mattie, my sweet Shih Tzu when she had cancer. Tina called her “peanut” and took such a loving interest in her well-being even to the point of visiting her immediately after her surgery at the Peake Veterinarian organization. I was so touched by that gesture and grateful that they had helped my little girl. Sandy Short
My 7yr old yellow Labrador retriever, Sunny, was diagnosed with Lymphoma(cancer). I was devastated. With cancer, time is of the essence, so I had to decide fast if I could afford chemotherapy, or put her on prednisone and she'll only live a month or 2!! So I tried to get help from places such as Emma's foundation, and started a go fund me page. Not many foundations were able to help due to the pandemic, funding wasn't available. Emma's foundation helped me by donating $600.00 towards Sunnys chemo treatments!! There was also a couple small donations from some kind people, through Emma's foundation. Every little bit helps alot. Also I felt like Tina, whom I think is the founder, really genuinely cared. She emailed me many times to ask how Sunny was doing & to see how her chemo was going. Tina is an amazing woman who genuinely cares and I will forever be grateful for the help from Tina & from Emma's foundation. I'm happy to say that Sunny is in remission from cancer and doing great. Again thank you for all that you have done for us. With love always Nicole & Sunny❤❤
When Abby was diagnosed with cancer, and I knew she needed to have her leg removed, I was distraught. I was worried not only for her, but how I was going to be able to pay for this expensive surgery.
My daughter sent me some links to organizations that would help with expenses for canine cancer. It is something I would never have thought of.
Emma's foundation came through with a donation paid directly to the surgeon. I am very grateful for their help.
They are funded through donations, so, please help.
A wonderful organization that helps to ensure all dogs regardless of owner's status and income get another chance at life and a chance to beat cancer. No dog should be put down just because an owner can not afford care.
Tundra bear was the best BEAR EVER! He went for 12 years with nothing wrong. But arthritis. He went through a torn acl like a champ. He never showed a sign of cancer until vets could see in hindsight. This foundation gave him a solid and complete life. He lived every moment he could to the fullest. ❤️
It was few months after learning my 12 year old beagle, my best friend, had cancer. I had recently gone through a bad break up, was living alone, struggling financially, things were just tough.. One day I got a package in the mail, but hadn't remembered ordering anything? The contents brought me to tears! It was a care package from Emmas Foundation for Canine Cancer Inc. It had a whole bunch of goodies and supplies, and absolutely made our day, week, month... Thank you again to Emmas Foundation, and my friend for referring me. You were such a bright light in a dark time for us
We came across Emma’s Canine Cancer Foundation on FB a social media site .
Our beautiful furbaby Coco was going through Chemotherapy at our local hospital
We needed help financially and I reached out to Emma’s , I was overwhelmed with the support TINA, & her extended family at Emma’s has given to me and my family.
They helped us both financially and emotionally with Coco’s care and treatments . Coco is doing great and still has follow ups with her team of doctors
( primary vet ,holistic , oncologist, & dermatologist ) She has her very own FB page @Cocos Journey .
#CocoStrong
I was devastated when I f found out my best friend/ puppy for 16 years had thyroid cancer, I had felt a little lump near his throat. I took him to the vet and found out that it was malignant. The surgery was very expensive and I found Emmas Foundation and got to speak to Ms Tina Hatin. I think I cried most of the conversation. I had called around to other places and was told about a waiting list and other obstacles and I knew I didn't have that time. I couldn't believe how loving and warm Ms Tina was, she was not only understanding, but I could tell she had the heart of gold. Within a few days, my vet and Ms Tina were talking and Beeboo had his surgery. He is one year with a clean bill of health ( Praise God ) all thanks to Emmas Foundation.
When my dog Obbie was diagnosed with rare multiple myeloma cancer, I looked for ways to help finance her desparately needed care, and Emma's Foundation really stepped up to the plate. They were very kind and understanding and didn't back down when I needed to change Obbie's medications or treatments. They were always there to help me.
I will always remember the day that we met the founders of this foundation - hugs and tears all around. I've never experienced such compassion. This is truly the best nonprofit organization that I've ever had to deal with and while the reason for working with them was heartbreaking for me- they were amazingly supportive in every way. They'll always be number One for me.
Previous Stories
Without the support of Emma's Foundation, my beautiful pup Obbie would not have received all the care she needed to fight her cancer.
When diagnosed, Obbie was given 18 months to live, but with Emma's Foundation helping me to get the chemo treatments that Obbie needed she lived 37 months from day of diagnosis!
Thank you, Tina Hatin and everyone else at Emma's Foundation for your help and support. You are the best!
Emma's Foundation was so amazing and generous to our family. We were blessed to be able to have more precious time with our loving dog, Dewey because of the foundations generosity. The process was so quick and easy. The foundation members were so wonderful to deal with and effortless during a difficult time. They were so willing to support Dewey's needs when other agencies wouldn't. Our family will forever be indebted to Emma's Foundation For Canine Cancer Inc.
Emmas enabled the stellar folks at Peak Veterinary Referral Center to give myself and my precious Abner more time together. For that, I will be eternally grateful. Abner's indomitable spirit lives on. Keep up the excellent work please Emmas Foundation For Canine Cancer. You are making a difference.
Emma's Angels, Past and Present...
This is a story of why a nonprofit was started in memory of a beautiful, sweet yellow lab named Emma.
Emma's Foundation for Canine Cancer was started after the loss of our beautiful girl to mandibular osteosarcoma. She was the love of our life! She was 10 years old when cancer took her from us. We all have pets in our life, as children, as teens and as adults and there will always be one that will break your heart and she was it!! When we were told it was cancer I researched the website for days trying to prove that our vet was wrong but she wasn't and our hearts would be broken forever...We were so devastated that we made a decision then that we would do something in memory of our beloved Emma. We knew that research was important for canine cancer but we really wanted to make an immediate impact so we decided to start a foundation where we would provide financial assistance to dog owners who could not afford the fur babies cancer treatments. To date 192 dogs have been helped! Please visit our website and visit our Emma's Angels Past and Present page. We wanted to make a difference in the lives of these dogs and for the people who love and need them...RIP Sweet Emma, hope we are making you PROUD xo
Review from #MyGivingStory