CSU Animal Cancer Center

10/22/2025

Welcome, Kelly!

We’re thrilled to announce that Kelly has joined us as the new Lab Manager in the Cancer Plasticity and Phenotypic Modeling Lab! 🧬✨

Kelly recently graduated from Colorado State University with a Professional Science Master's in Zoo, Aquarium, and Animal Shelter Management. She has a diverse background and brings a wealth of experience to help manage the laboratory.

This lab is on a mission to revolutionize cancer precision medicine through the development of biomarkers and therapies targeting cancer gene regulation, for which Kelly will play a formative role.

We're thankful for Kelly's willingness to join the fight against cancer. Learn more about the lab and its work here: https://www.csuanimalcancercenter.org/cawley-lab/

10/21/2025

Happy Clinical Trials Tuesday! We recently opened a new study for dogs with tumors of the a**l sac called adenocarcinoma. This study is comparing two different methods of identifying the sentinel lymph nodes for these tumors, which are the lymph nodes that the tumors are most likely to spread to first. You can read more about this study on our website: https://www.csuanimalcancercenter.org/clinical-trial/minimally-invasive-sentinel-lymph-node-mapping-for-canine-apocrine-gland-a**l-sac-adenocarcinoma-agasaca/

This canine agasaca clinical trial is designed to evaluate sentinel lymph node mapping, using a minimally invasive surgical (MIS) approach.

10/20/2025

Kickin' Cancer with Kevin! 👋

“I wanted to extend an abundance of gratitude for the generous grant for Kevin's care at the Flint Animal Cancer Center. I can say with sincerity that without this grant, Kevin wouldn't have been able to get the testing and screening needed to confirm his cancer diagnosis. Unfortunately, Kevin did receive multiple cancer diagnoses; he has a large tumor on his liver and some smaller tumors on his lip and hip. We plan to move forward with surgery. Kevin is the closest friend that I've had for the last seven years. I adopted him from the animal shelter in June 2018. Not much is known about the ~5 years he had before we became a family. Since I've adopted him, we've had an amazing time. He comes to work with me on Wednesdays at the warehouse. Everyone appreciates the way Kevin can make the warehouse feel brighter. I hope that with treatment, he can continue to shine brightly. Thank you!” - Martina

Our Patient Assistance Grants give families the gift of hope. As the end of the year draws near, our funds are running low. We would greatly appreciate your support as we continue to treat patients like Kevin.

Give here: http://csuanimalcancercenter.org/give-to-patient-assistance/

10/19/2025

FACC Patients have a Global Impact 🌎 🔬

Quality biological samples are vital to unlocking genetic clues to cancer. With the support of our patients and their families, we collect cancer tumor samples from nearly every case we see. These samples are stored in our facilities and used by researchers around the world. These samples are used to develop new cell lines, test treatments, and study cancer behaviors.

Thanks to the support of patient families, the Flint Animal Cancer Center has been collecting samples for over 25 years, and approximately 35,000 samples are available for research use.

Learn more about the FACC Biorepository here: https://www.csuanimalcancercenter.org/biorepository/

10/18/2025

might be coming to a close, but we'll never stop appreciating all that our incredible vet techs at the Flint Animal Cancer Center do. 💚

Your compassion, expertise, and dedication are at the heart of our organization. From providing comfort and care to our patients and their families to helping administer life-saving treatments, you are truly the backbone of our team.

This week was just a small reminder of how much you’re appreciated every day. Thank you for the exceptional work you do and the kindness you bring to every patient. We are so lucky to have you.

Thank you! 💛

10/17/2025

Hughy's Freight of Love Supports our RVTs! 🚂 ❤️

Hughy was an incredibly special dog. He provided companionship and care to his mom, Randi. Over the years, he became her partner and best friend. Hughy was given to Randi by Canine Companions in 2012 and worked as a service dog for many years before being diagnosed with cancer. Even in the face of his diagnosis, he managed to spread love to all who met him – including all of us at the Flint Animal Cancer Center.

Hughy fought valiantly, and we remain in awe of his good-natured spirit until the very end.

Randi created the Hughy’s Freight Train of Love fund to benefit the FACC. This fund gives our team much-needed treats on “ruff” days, the ability to pursue additional education opportunities, and importantly, ensures our patients have an endless supply of peanut butter and cheese wiz to make their visit better.

During , we're so thankful for families like Hughy's who make us feel special every day!

Today happens to be the anniversary of Hughy's passing. We will always remember him and his big heart!

10/16/2025

Spotlight: Surgical Oncology Team 🐾

At the Flint Animal Cancer Center, our Surgical Oncology Vet Techs are nothing short of extraordinary.

They prep. They assist. They monitor. They care. But more than that, they help turn some of the most complex cancer surgeries into stories of survival and hope.

These techs are the calm in the chaos, the skilled hands caring for patients, and the steady hearts behind every healing journey.

To our surgical oncology techs: Your impact goes far beyond the operating room. You are changing lives — every single day.

Thank you. 💙

10/15/2025

We 🫶 our techs!

10/15/2025

⚡️Radiation Oncology Rockstars⚡️

This , we’re shining a spotlight on our Radiation Oncology Veterinary Technicians — the precision-driven, endlessly compassionate team members who help deliver cutting-edge cancer care with heart. 💙

From helping to deliver radiation treatments with pinpoint accuracy to comforting anxious pets (and their people), these techs are the calm, capable hands behind every beam of healing. 🎯🐾

They balance science and empathy daily — operating complex technology while never losing sight of the patient behind the diagnosis.

To our Radiation Oncology Techs:
Thank you for your expertise, your teamwork, and your unwavering dedication to every patient that walks (or wags) through our doors.

You are vital. You are valued. You are truly extraordinary.

10/14/2025

Happy !

This Vet Tech Week, we’re celebrating the unsung heroes behind every clinical breakthrough at the Flint Animal Cancer Center: our Clinical Trials vet techs and biorepository staff!

These exceptional professionals aren't just administering care — they're advancing science, bringing hope, and improving lives for pets and people. From managing complex treatment protocols to comforting families through uncertain times, they blend compassion with precision every single day.

🌟 Because of you, clinical trials run smoothly.
🌟 Because of you, pets get second chances.
🌟 Because of you, we're researching better outcomes.
🌟 Because of you, the future of cancer care is brighter.

To our vet techs and biorepository team, you’re the heartbeat of progress. 💚

Thank you for everything you do!

10/13/2025

Vet Tech Week Spotlight: Medical Oncology Vet Techs 🐾

This , we’re giving a HUGE shoutout to our incredible Medical Oncology Veterinary Technicians at the Flint Animal Cancer Center! 💙

These compassionate, skilled professionals are at the heart of everything we do—supporting patients through chemotherapy, managing complex treatment protocols, comforting families, and providing world-class care with grace and grit every single day.

We see you. We appreciate you. We couldn’t do this without you.

10/12/2025

Happy Vet Tech Week! 🐾 ❤️ ⚕️

This week, we’re celebrating the heart and soul of the Flint Animal Cancer Center — our incredible Veterinary Technicians!

From caring for our patients to teaching students, your skill, compassion, and dedication are the backbone of everything we do. You care for our patients like they’re your own, and your impact reaches far beyond exam rooms and treatment areas.

Thank you for the long hours, the gentle hands, the sharp minds, and the endless love you pour into your work every single day. We are so grateful for each and every one of you.

✨ Happy — you are true heroes in scrubs! ✨