» sisters forgo birthday gifts to support canine cancer cures

Sisters Forgo Birthday Gifts to Support Canine
Cancer Cures

The Frost sisters are not your average girls. Three years ago, 11-year-old Courtney Frost of Greensboro, N.C., asked friends to donate money to Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) to honor the family dog, Sampson, who had died of cancer, instead of giving birthday gifts.

"I decided to give money to MAF to cure cancer because I don't want other people and animals to go through what we did," said Courtney, who is now 14. "I keep giving to them in hopes that they can find a cure for all cancers."

Leah Frost, who just turned 12, has followed in her big sister's footsteps, and the two have become crusaders against canine cancer. "I want our new dog, Jake, and other dogs to be healthy and not suffer from cancer," Leah said.

Now both girls donate their birthday "gifts" to the MAF Canine Cancer Campaign in an effort to cure the disease and make the world a better place for dogs and those who love them.

"We are truly grateful for MAF and the work they do," said Sandy Frost, the girls' mother. "Pets are members of families, and no one should have to say good-bye to a family member due to cancer. Research for humans and animals alike is important to help all live a long healthy life."

Sampson, a Labrador-shepherd mix, was a gift from a neighbor whose dog delivered 11 puppies. To Courtney and Leah, Sampson was the world's best brother. From the start, he was protective of the girls, standing like a sentinel next to their strollers.

"Sampson was our first child - baby number one," said Sandy.

Born with severe hip problems, Sampson had a hip replacement soon after his first birthday. The Frosts built him a ramp to get in and out of the house. The first signs of cancer appeared when Sampson was 13. The Frosts sought out the best veterinary care possible, but when Sampson didn't respond to medical treatment, the family brought him home. When he stopped eating, they knew it was time to say good-bye.

After Sampson's death, the Frosts received a memorial card from their veterinarian, Dr. Sue Thomas at Summerfield Veterinary Hospital, to celebrate Sampson's life. The card prompted Courtney to look into MAF, and she soon learned that donations help protect, treat and cure pets, horses and wildlife. She was particularly interested in the Canine Cancer Campaign, which was launched to cure the disease within the next 20 years. The research also has human applications and is helping pediatric patients.

Each year when birthdays roll around, Courtney and Leah send special donation forms with their party invitations and take pride in tallying up the donations and sending a check to MAF. Their next step is to distribute canine cancer posters to their school and veterinarian's office to educate others about the organization.