15/03/2024
https://gofund.me/640701d4
Hi everyone, my name is Bryan Parks. I started this GoFundMe page on behalf of my fur baby, Zuri. I brought Zuri to our veterinarian on 3/6/24 to get a cough checked out. The doctor decided to take some x-rays and then explained what she saw. She pointed out three tumors and told me the life expectancy for similar cases was 2-3 months.
I shut down and my heart sank as I sat there and listened to the vet explain our options. I had to walk out of the room because I couldn’t hear anything.
Zuri and I have been pretty much inseparable since she was 7 weeks old. We celebrated 11 years together in February. We’ve been to all the lower 48 states and have taken multiple cross-country trips together. I’ve always worked jobs where she could be by my side because of how stressed she gets without me. If she wasn’t allowed somewhere, I usually wouldn’t go unless she had someone I trusted to watch her or unless I knew she was safe.
For 9 years we had no issues and then in February 2022 she was stolen in my van in Denver. I shared the story immediately on Facebook and in different groups and asked everyone to share. People started reaching out and volunteering their time and energy into Zuri’s search. I was heartbroken as I wasn’t sure I’d ever see her again or if she was hurt. All I knew was she was missing me and was super confused. I could only pray she was being taken care of. I was getting calls every day from people telling me they had her; I got scammed for a thousand dollars after being told she was injured and was about to be sold. I was looking for her 18 hours a day and putting myself in very dangerous situations.
After 26 days of these experiences, she was finally returned by a woman who knew the thieves and had her the entire time. I immediately shut down afterwards as I was extremely overwhelmed, worried, and scared the whole time. All that mattered was that my girl was safely in my arms again. The emotional/finical support and the volunteer power people put into finding her was breathtaking. I’ll never forget this and I'll never truly feel like I’ll be able to repay all the love Zuri and I experienced. I’m unsure we would have found her if it wasn’t for everyone’s effort. I honestly can’t thank everyone who helped enough.
Unfortunately, I’m here to ask for assistance with Zuri again only two years later. I like helping, not feeling like I need to be helped, but I’m not ready to lose her or accept this prognosis. As of now, she is perfectly healthy other than a cough, slight labored breathing, and her tumors. I have come across numerous stories about animals outliving similar diagnoses, and I believe Zuri can, too. I want to do my best to improve her health and get ahead of the cancer's efforts to attack her immune system. Her blood work is great, and so are her vitals. We have been very fortunate as this is the first major health issue Zuri’s had in her life.
Regrettably, I’m unable to afford any of the treatment she needs and deserves, and this is why I started a Go Fund Me. I’m embarrassed and ashamed to say I don’t have much saved or a revenue stream currently. I’ve been taking college classes full time and have been doing free-lance work when it presents itself and this is why I don’t have any savings. We were planning to relocate to DC this month to try to save some money to repair my van that we’ve been living in, but after Zuri’s diagnosis, that is no longer a priority: she is. Thankfully, my mom has allowed us to stay at her house while Zuri undergoes treatment.
After Zuri’s prognosis and extensive research, I found two integrative oncologists, a holistic doctor, and a primary veterinarian to add to Zuri’s health team. Over the weekend, I reached out to them, and they have all agreed to work with Zuri in different ways but have all made it clear they would like us to work with a primary vet.
The first person I’m meeting with is Dr. Judy Jasek out of Colorado. Dr. Judy developed an approach to pet health that utilizes the innate healing ability of the body. She begins by supporting the body with a species appropriate diet and detoxification. She then uses tools such as ozone, Chinese herbal medicine, CBD, mistletoe, essential oils, and whole food additions to optimize the health of the body. Dr. Judy was recommended to me by a client who has seen amazing results with their pitty, Skye, who was diagnosed with lymphoma who has absolutely defied her prognosis. Skye’s first vet recommended putting her down the day she was first diagnosed. Skye's parents weren’t satisfied with her prognosis, and they were told to contact Dr. Judy. They followed Dr. Judy’s diet and protocol, and Skye is still thriving 8 months later. You can follow Skye’s story on her Instagram . Here’s a link to Dr. Judy’s site if anyone is curious and would like to learn more about her practice, Animal Healing Arts: https://ahavet.com
The second person I have a consultation with is integrative animal oncologist Dr. Trina Hazzah out of Oakland California. Dr. Hazzah is one of the only oncologists using different cannabinoids in their practice, including THC. During the consultation, we will review the potential benefits of incorporating cannabis as part of Zuri’s treatment protocol, potential contraindications, drug-herb interactions, and harm reduction guidance on dosing and product selection. Her office would also send a summary letter to Zuri’s team. After the consultation, Dr. Hazzah will act as a resource for evidence-based education on all aspects of cannabis medicine for me and Zuri’s primary veterinarian. Once we receive Dr. Hazzah’s dosage recommendations, Highly Rooted Vermont/The Vermont Cancer Care Network has agreed to provide Zuri with free medical cannabis blends specifically designed for her. Here’s a link for Dr. Hazzah’s practice Green Nile’s site and the interview that made me aware of her practice: https://greennile.org. https://youtu.be/KRlZ-iPGdQI?si=JE8GSJCzQNYLDKuY. Please give Highly Rooted Vermont a follow-on Instagram . Their whole business model is providing Vermonters with free cannabis blends to combat cancer.
The last person I’m meeting with is Dr. Kendra Pope, an integrative oncologist out of Redbank, NJ. My meeting with her will be another consultation on how to best treat Zuri. I chose Dr. Pope because she’s close to Vermont and works with Dr. Hazzah. I’ve listened to a couple podcasts with both Dr. Hazzah and Dr. Pope and liked their approach. Here’s a link for Dr. Pope’s practice Prism Integrative Veterinary Health’s site and the interview that made me aware of her practice: https://prismvethealth.com.https://youtu.be/HAUyPFlZNBY?si=CTQfVz2uEfLhX7FA.
Both Dr. Hazzah and Dr. Pope’s interviews were conducted by the “Dog Cancer Answers” YouTube Channel. The Dog Cancer Answers channel was started by Dr. Damian Dressler Co Author of “The Dog Cancer Survival Guide.” I highly recommend checking out both.
What we need help with as of 3/15/2024:
-Dr Hazzah’s consultation: $400
-Zuri’s blood work and second opinion: $571
-Dr Judy’s consultation: $265
Nordic Naturals Omega 3 Pet Liquid-$46.95
-Month's supply of Raw food recommended by Dr. Judy: $210. Here’s the site if anyone would prefer to order directly. Message me for my address (802) 398 7597. https://www.rawpawspetfood.com/month-supply-50-lb-senior-dog-p/dogs50.htm
-Zuri’s supplements: $479 * (NHV Naturals, Furbal Remedies Extracts)
-Dr. Pope’s consultation: (Yet to find out)
Here are my Venmo and Cash App tags if it’s easier for people to donate.
Venmo: -Parks-4
Cash App: $bparks37
Thanks for reading Zuri’s story. We really appreciate everyone’s prayers, time, and donations. It means to world to us during this difficult. Please share her story if you can.
Love,
Zuri and Bryan
