Tosha

Tosha was a 13-year-old Westie Mix diagnosed with lymphoma at age 11.

When referred to the Pie Fund, Tosha was in remission from her cancer, but was suffering from pleural effusion which means fluid was collecting in the wall surrounding her lungs and had reached dangerous levels. She needed tests to determine the cause of the fluid (which turned out not to be linked to her cancer) and to insert a drain to keep her lungs clear.

The family had already paid thousands of dollars for Tosha’s tests and cancer treatments by leveraging nearly all of their resources, including selling some personal jewelry on eBay. When introduced to the Pie Fund in August of 2007, Tosha’s owner was offering her wedding dress and engagement ring for sale to raise still more cash for treatments. When she learned that the Pie Fund had agreed to assist with medical expenses her words were:  “A ton of bricks has been taken off my back. For the first time in months I was able to cry tears of joy…I will never forget this for the rest of my life!”

Tosha celebrated her 13th birthday on July 1st, 2009, and led a full and happy life with her family through late December of that year. She was free of the fluid and in remission for nearly three years following her diagnosis, and finally succumbed to a separate autoimmune medical condition on December 27, 2009. She lived cherished by her family and gave much love in return. Her owner refers to Tosha as “my little miracle.”  Today, her owner is an active member of the Pie Fund Board and honors Tosha’s memory through our mission of hope for other needy families and their furry loved ones.