The Great Good Heart Animal Cancer Foundation was inspired by the founders' dog Indiana. Indiana was diagnosed with cancer in June 2006, when she was suffering from severe acute anemia. Surgery was her only hope of survival, but the anemia had weakened her to a point that the vets felt she could not survive the stress of surgery. We saw no choice here, and opted for the surgery. We owed Indiana the chance to fight. Despite every vet's best guess, Indiana came through the surgery and post-surgery with flying colors. After 5 nights in the ICU, Indiana came home with us. A diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma, a cancer of the smooth tissues (for Indiana it was in her stomach) soon followed. While we were quite fortunate that the surgeon achieved clean margins on her tumor, we still chose to pursue four rounds of chemotherapy. Indiana, true to form, flew through this as well. The only real bump in the road came when a mass was found in her heart. Because of its location, we are unable to perform a biopsy, but to this day, it remains stable, and the oncologists and cardiologists believe it is benign.

We were lost the day Indiana was diagnosed with cancer, and the experience changed our lives forever. There are many things we wish we had known long ago. It is our hope to reach other families who love their pets, and give them the knowledge we wish we had prior to Indiana's cancer. We also want to help other families who are fighting cancer, because we understand how isolated and alone this fight can make you feel.

The Great Good Heart Animal Cancer Foundation is also dedicated to George, son and brother to two board members. George lost his battle with cancer in November 2006, before he was able to fight. A tumor in his ear was ignored by two veterinarians before a third even used the word cancer. By this time, the cancer had spread to a lymph node, and George died soon after his first visit to the oncologist. His death has taught us the important lesson to always be an advocate for your pet, and never blindly trust your vet, especially if something doesn't feel right. This lesson was a hard one to learn, and we hope to honor George by sharing his story with other families.

The Great Good Heart Animal Cancer Foundation is named, essentially, in honor of Indiana. When she was in the hospital, dying, her Grandma kissed her goodbye, saying, "You keep fighting with that great, good heart of yours." And she did. Her great, good heart has sustained us through much pain, as we hope this foundation sustains you. The name also represents the fact that every beloved pet has a great, good heart.

Our logo features both Indiana and George.