I am honored to serve on the board of directors for Czar’s Promise, an organization whose mission is deeply personal to me. Having experienced firsthand, the heartbreak of canine cancer, I am passionate about supporting families navigating this difficult journey and helping fund critical research to find a cure.
Two of our beloved dogs, Roscoe and Dakota, battled cancer. Roscoe, my heart dog, was diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma on his gum and underwent a partial mandibulectomy in June 2020. Thankfully, our amazing veterinary surgeon was able to get clean margins, and he remained cancer-free for the remainder of his life. Dakota, however, faced a more aggressive form of cancer with no cure. In her final days, we gave her the best week ever—taking her to our happy place in northern Wisconsin and letting her enjoy all the steak and vanilla cake she wanted. A week later, we said our final goodbye in our front yard, surrounded by the love of her family.
My journey with Roscoe also led me to Beth and the incredible community at Czar’s Promise, all thanks to the best dog photographer ever—Steve Dahlgren of Dog Grin Photography. Through this connection, I found a cause that speaks to my heart and a group of people dedicated to making a difference. I am forever grateful for the support I have found within this incredible community.
When I’m not working, I love spending time outdoors—hiking, exploring nature, and tending to my garden in the warmer months. There’s something so grounding about gardening, connecting with the earth, and watching things grow. My husband, Aaron, and I are both Realtors in the Madison area, and we love the work we do and the community we serve. I cherish every moment with our two dogs, River and Harrison, our fearless kitty, Runner, and my amazing husband—whether it’s snuggling by the fire or traveling to new places together.
These experiences fuel my dedication to the mission of Czar’s Promise. I believe in the power of community, research, and compassionate care to make a meaningful impact on the lives of companion animals and their families.
Together, I believe we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer—both human and animal—until the day we find a cure.