The main goal of the Lifeboat Foundation is to safeguard humanity from problems in the future.
Today we are offering the chance to save a life today. It is important that we work to protect both our present and our future.
One of our donors, Mulege Armstrong, has bone cancer. All donations made on this page will be used to save her. Our goal is $2,500.
Update
Mulege completed her surgery with Dr. Davyd Pelsue of Veterinary Specialists Of Nevada on Monday, August 2, 2010 and stayed one day for observation. She did have one tendon attached to the bone mass so Davyd had to cut it and reattach it elsewhere. Her big bone mass that was removed is currently undergoing testing and we will have results for it within a week. Her next appointment is Tuesday, August 10, 2010 at 9:30 am. Davyd is a certified bone surgeon and was recommended by Brian McLaughlin of the Community Animal Hospital for this difficult problem. Here are some reviews of Davyd!
Update 2
Mulege’s large mass that was removed has been diagnosed by Cynthia X. Bacmeister, DVM, Ph.D.
She says:
Description: The lesion is comprised of a well circumscribed focus of osseous metaplasia. There are hematopoietic elements. There is a fibrous capsule surrounding the focus. There is also periosteal new bone deposition arranged parallel to the surface of the mass. There is also locally extensive chondroid stroma along the perimeter.
Microscopic Findings: Consistent with osteochondroma.
Prognosis: Favorable.
Comments: The lesion is well circumscribed and completely excised. Excision should prove curative. Distinct epithelial elements as might occur in association with a mixed apocrine tumor are not observed. There is a normal maturational progression from chondroid to osteoid to trabecular bone with normal hematopoietic elements within the intertrabecular spaces.
Mulege’s next appointment is Tuesday, August 17, 2010 at 9:30 am. The histopathology by Cynthia is quite favorable but do note that the mass was growing out of control, hence the need by the surgeon to cut a tendon plus for Mulege to have to stay overnight. If we had waited a few more months, removal of the mass would have become difficult. Mulege has now moved from a giant bandage/cast to a small bandage but she is still wearing the cone of shame.
Final update
Mulege’s leg looks normal, she is no longer wearing the cone of shame, she no longer needs to wear bandages, and she has been declared fine at her final doctor’s appointment on Tuesday, August 17, 2010 at 9:30 am. Her cut tendon has been declared healed as well.

Mulege's Portrait

See her problem close-up.

How Mulege looked after surgery.

Today’s Mulege in her castle.

Today’s Mulege in her castle (close-up).
Update a decade later

Mulege’s last Christmas
Mulege died on January 22, 2019 at age 16 which is quite old for a lab. Thanks for everyone’s help!