Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - I'm going to raise awareness, help

I personally want to raise as much awareness as possible about this disease so that we can generate the funding to eliminate it. I have done something close to this before with the PenPals group. Can you help with some advise. Below is what I am thinking about right off the cuff of what I would like to do. First of all, I own a professional sports car racing team in Richmond, Virginia. I have more than 20 years of experience in this sport and we are recognized as one of the best teams and organizations competing. We travel all over the U.S. and also do 2 races in Canada. This is our website: www.motorsporttechnologygroup.com The series that we compete in is owned by the France family, which is who owns NASCAR. This is a very powerful group and demands attention. In May we will be bringing out a new BMW race car and I would like to cover this car with paw prints and have inside the print the name of peoples pets that have suffered from this disease. This car would not carry any other sponshorship unless it benifits our cause. SPEED Channel will air this race and we can get some national coverage. They also will air 4-5 more races this year and I would like to run this car as stated above throughout the season. Our press person will also make sure that we are acknowledged. I will have also have her do some releases to also generate some interest. I would also like to put some information on our tractor trailer since it acts as a moving billboard. Another thing that I can do is sell our t-shirts and caps this year with 100% of the sales (not profit) going to the cause. I can even produce some decals that can maybe be sold with information on them. The shirts and caps are a brand new design that we have not even offered as of yet, but they are now ready. I'd really like to have some local involvement as well at the venues to maybe pass out literature or have some survivors represented. These are ideas so please let me know what you think. I would also need to get some more information in regards to who receives the funds, tax exemptions... Please let me help these dear friends of ours by providing your input. Regards Steve p.s. Tasha is resting quietly with me at the office today and feeling pretty good. Her PCV was 24 this morning and holding steady.

Steve Virginia

Steve, Maybe you and I can visit in private, perhaps even by phone and I can tell you what the Meisha's Hope AIHA/IMHA Fund at Morris Animal Foundation http://www.cloudnet.com/~jdickson/newhope.htm is doing in regards to studies on AIHA/IMHA. I can also put in in direct contact with the developement dept. at MAF who will be able to provide you with all the info you need in regard to tax exempt status and any other questions you might have. I will not be checking my cloudnet mail again until Monday but if you want to get in contact with me today or over the weekend you can email me at dicksonjoanne@hotmail.com and we can discuss your ideas.

Joanne MN

Steve, I am at a loss for words and that does not happen much. What a great gesture and a much appreciated one. I am local to the California Speedway in Fontana now I think they call it the Autoclub Speedway. So if you race in this area I could probably help. My dog Salome unfortunately didn't make it but I have been a one person campaign since her passing. Keep us informed with the details. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Steve, This is such an amazing thing you are wanting to do. It's just remarkable!! But making people aware of this disease and trying to find a cure for it is so important. I would love to help in any way I could if you are ever near my area. Please keep us updated as to how things turn out. Also, thats good news that Tasha's PCV is holding steady. I know how hard it is waiting to see each blood draw if it will go up. My dog Tipsi has been fighting this disease since September of 2007. She had a very severe case and we were told by her vet that she shouldn't have made it. I'm so thankful everyday that she did and she proves that there is hope against this horrible disease. Wishing you and Tasha the best, Layla & Tipsi

Layla Brantley Raleigh NC

I lost the love of my life on Monday. I am beyond grief--I have never hurt like this in my life. When people ask me what she died of they are clueless and they havae dogs also. We all try to do what we should and there are all these signs in vet's offices but always about worms and flease. Why didn't I know about his? My vet says he has six or seven cases a year but never anything like my dog. I mean isn't that a lot of cases for a town of 5000? I will tell everyone I know--I don't know what else to do. I am so glad your best friend is doing better. THis is simply the worst thing I have ever known.

Becky Illinois

Hi Steve, this may be a little late, but I just read your other post of Tasha's diagnosis. My dog Spencer is a 3 yr survivor of this disease. He was diagnosed in Richmond VA. He spent 9 days at the Vetrinary Refferal Critic Care center (VRCC) and I have nothing but good things to say about them. There is an internest there who has tons of experience with this disease and infinate patience. Experience is very beneficial when battling this horrible disease. Her name is Dr. Harpold. I used to bring Spencer in when his gums were just a bit pale for a PCV, which usually was nothing but I was always worried. I would call with questions and she always made time to answer. I still send them pictures today even though we no longer live in Richmond. I hope Tasha gets better soon! Kim and Spencer

Kim NY

Steve, I am glad your Tasha is doing so well. On Tuesday, March 25, '08 - I had to put my Molson down as a result of liver disease - a complication of his IMHA diagnosed in Dec. '07. It has been a difficult road in diagnosing, treating and following up with him. Many Vets do not know much about the disease, let alone how to begin treating it. I was wondering if an information packet about IMHA could be put together that talks about the disease, symptoms, Meisha's Hope website along with VetNet. These packets would be sent to Vet offices as well as centers where pet adoptions take place. Because 1/3 of the cases seem to show itself in cocker spaniels (that is what Molson was,)are cocker rescue facilities providing adoptive companions information about this deadly disease? Please keep us informed regarding the process of getting others informed. Joanne form MN has studied and worked extensively to help others become informed about IMHA, please contact regarding her offer above to help you get started. Prayers to you and Tasha. AM

AM FL

AM There are brochures put out by Morris Foundation on the Meisha's Hope Fund which does include symptoms of the disease and other info. These brochures do get sent out to vet clinics and other places. The gal at MAF who does all the work for the Meisha's Hope Fund recently just sent these brochures to 1500 places including vet clinics and other animal related places.

Joanne MN

Joanne, Thanks for that information. I am glad that information is getting out. AM

AM FL

Excellect idea, AM. My experience has revealed that general vets (those not practicing in teaching facilities) do not have a plethora of knowledge about AIHA and even more perplexing they seem to minimize the effetcts of treatments that can bring on the condition such as heartworm, flea control, vaccinations and rimydal. Most of us are on this site because we were searching for answers we did not receive from our neighborhood vets. So indeed, awareness is the key. Unless your pet is stricken you typically would know little about the condition. I am not sure of the numbers of people whose pets had to have multiple transfusions and could not afford to pay or able to borrow ....my bills after 19 months have been near $10,000. I am fortunate to have an income and have had savings to pull from....but many sadly do not and their pets do not make it. Would like to see some sort of 'fund' established at some of the teaching hospitals for purposes of tranfusions and other clinical procedures associated with AIHA. Criteria would have to be established of course. For the purpose of marketing the cause for fund rasing efforts the vision of a pet receiving a much needed blood transfusion may be a powerful emotional draw for folks to contribute. Jan

jan philly

Jan, Since we had a close to a $4,000.00 vet bill (and tragically Jennie still died from this horrible disease) I have thought a lot about those who love their pets as much as anyone but cannot afford the high cost associated with this. We are not rich by any means but sometimes plastic comes in handy! It breaks my heart though, to think about all those wonderful dogs out there that don't have a chance because their parents just don't have the funds. I don't play the lottery, but if I did and won, I know EXACTLY where the money would go! Gail

Gail SD

Gail and Jan, I couldn't agree more with both of you. AM

AM FL

My little one Daisy was diagnosed 1/24/08 with this horrible disease. She has since received 4 transfusions and I am looking at a possisble 5th this coming week if history repeats itself. To date I have spent close to $6000 on medical treatment (most of which was for emergency room transfusions as my vet has been reducing the cost of medications and blood tests). I too have talked to others about bringing awareness of this horrible disease to the forefront. I would love to have a National IMHA Awareness Day. And on this day throughout the country there would be blood drives. If anyone is interested please email me so that we can put our heads and resources together.

Evelyn So Jersey

Evelyn, How fortunate you have been to have your vet reduce some of the cost for medication and blood tests. My vet made no consideration that way. I searched out where to purchase the lowest cost meds. Does any pet insurance cover any of these costs?? Molson was older than 10 and therefore pet insurance was cost prohibitive. AM

AM FL

Steve, I applaud you for your ideas and efforts to help educate and find a cure for this most cruel disease. I certainly hope you find green lights all along your way to get this done and hope your fur baby is one of the lucky ones that finds remissions. Thank you so much for your efforts.

Betty Dallas

Steve...I am glad to here Tasha is hanging in there. Any support you need, or when you come to either raceway in Sonoma or Monterey..I'll be there if you let me know...Ron

RonB San Mateo

Steve, Your plan to raise awareness is brilliant ! "I'd really like to have some local involvement as well at the venues to maybe pass out literature or have some survivors represented." Not sure what you mean by local but if I can help, here in western NC/east TN please let me know. My dog Fitzi, a survivor (so far) and I would be happy to help however you see fit. Linda in Asheville

Linda in Asheville NC

Thank you all for your responses and offers of help. Shortly after I began this post on Friday I heard from Joanne. She is one lady on a mission. Within 2 hours after that, Joanne and myself were on a conference call with The Morris Foundation. I'm sure that Joanne will keep everyone updated as we go along with this program. I am so excited about this and I'm sure we will make a difference. Steve

Steve Virginia

Hi Steve, I am thrilled to see this happening! Is there any chance that Joanne can have a page on her website so that we can check the progress and offer assistance as needed? Please post an update, any way I can be of help from west palm beach, let me know - christinemitchell at fulbrightweb dot org. Go steve go!

Christine Fl

Christine, Even though your question was to Steve, since it involved my Web site, I thought I would make a couple of comments. Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) will be making a new page for their Web site to provide information on Steve’s fund raising efforts for the Meisha’s Hope AIHA/IMHA Fund #338. Both Steve and myself will have input in regard to this page. Once this page is complete and online I will either just link to it from my Web site or if I feel additional information is necessary, I will make that information available on my Web site. Both MAF and I are so very excited about this great opportunity to raise money to sponsor more studies on the disease as well as the opportunity to educate dog owners/lovers/caregivers on AIHA/IMHA.

Joanne MN

HOT DOG! Two of my favorite things in one place... dogs and race cars!!

Allie Virginia

This is awesome Steve. What a wonderful idea. We are in CA and I think they have a raceway in Monterey which is an hour from where we are. So if you come our way, we would love to help out. Please let us know.

leslie ca

Yea! Yippee thanks for the clarification Joanne, way to go steve!

christine fl

Steve and Joanne -- this is an absolutely awesome development. What a fabulous way to raise awareness about this horrible disease and the need for more resources to fund studies to help find a cure. I am looking forward to the new page on the website and more information on the racing platform to raise awareness of IMHA.

Brenda VA

Steve, I would love to help out if/when there is an opportunity in the Los Angeles/Orange County/San Bernadino area of California. My dog, Sierra (April 2005 Success Story), is coming up on 5 years since her diagnosis and while she still is on meds, she's doing well. Just drop me an email redmal2@yahoo.com if I can help.

Ronda So Cal

Steve, Sounds like a wonderful idea! I will volunteer to help however I can. I would also like to offer to donate to have Matilda's name placed in one of the paw prints! let me know - I am in the Houston area, but am willing to travel. jeanne

Jeanne Texas

Steve, sounds like a wonderful idea. You will be glad that you hooked up with Joanne on this. She is a wonderful person and works very hard at getting the info out. Just a note to whomever asked about a brochure. Our dear friend Joan Ogg, along with her vets at Tuffs University, created a brochure and it is available to anyone that wants to print it out and distribute it to their vets. I did that quite a few years ago when we lost our Lady to AIHA. Joan lost her Beau to IMHA & AIHA. It is a very good brochure and the address to view it is: http//home.comcast.net/~joan.ogg/aiha_info.htm Just a note to those with recent losses,I share your grief and as a service to those I list your names and dear ones on the Rainbow Bridge page I created in 1998 when we lost our Lady. Anyone wishing to view the site the address is : http://www.geocities.com/deekuj/Lady3.html There are seven pages to view so the most recent losses are listed on page 7. Get well Tasha!! We too had a baby girl named Tasha Dolores

Dolores deekuj@yahoo.com

this is a super great idea steve, sounds wonderful josh & sway

Josh California

Dolores, Thanks for remembering our pets on Rainbow Bridge. That was very thoughtful. Ann Marie

Ann Marie FL

Steve/Joanne: This is just wonderful! I love it! Please let me know how I can help. I would love to have Lucy on this. She is a 3 year survivor of this horrible disease (although still on meds) she/we have fought long and hard to get where we are today. We have a Nascar track here in Kansas City and I believe our race is in late September. Myself, husband, Lucy and her black lab brother, Holcomb would love to help in anyway we can. Can't wait to get to work! Love, Crissy and Lucy

Crissy Kansas

Steve, We need this! I lost my Chip not even a week ago and I've spent some sad time, some mad time and again sad time but I will always be mad. He wasn't even 5 when diagnosed - just 21 days after his Rabies vaccine. I would love for money to go towards the Rabies Challenge Fund: http://www.rabieschallengefund.org/, the rabies shot was the beginning of the end. I miss my shadow, my love so badly and I know nothing will bring him back but it will not be in vain! I'm in the Philadelphia area and will help in any way I can. Sherri

Sherri Pennsylvania

Steve, Please let me know if you will need any help in North or Central FL. I am willing to help. A big thank you goes out to you and Joanne for all your efforts. Ann Marie

Ann Marie FL

Correction on the brochure address Sometimes the fingers get a head of the brain. http://home.comcast.net/~joan.ogg/aiha_info.htm Dolorea

Dolores deekuj@yahoo.com

This thread was discussed between 28/03/2008 and 05/04/2008

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