NC State University is one of only two programs in the world that performs canine bone marrow transplants (BMTs) to help save dogs with lymphoma and leukemia. BMT represents a chance at a cure for dogs that would otherwise be terminally ill, with months to a year to live. The majority of NC State BMT patients are young dogs with a long life ahead of them, with an average patient age of 4 years old.

Presently, NC State's BMT program has been placed on hold by the university in order to conduct an external review of the unit and poll members of the oncology community across the United States. There is no estimated length for the pause, no reason provided for the pause, nor any indication if the unit will ever be able to resume taking care of patients.

While this pause is occurring, there are over 13 patients on the waitlist for a transplant at NC State, some of whom have already invested over $6,000 in finding a donor match to save their pups with cancer. When the program is operating normally, 1 to 2 dogs will receive a transplant per month. While this pause is occurring, dogs on the waitlist will likely pass away waiting for their chance at a well-studied, revolutionary treatment that could completely cure them of their disease, or offer more time with their families. BMT is a well established treatment for humans with lymphoma and leukemia, and was first studied in dogs. There is no reason that animals should not be able to receive this life saving care after the sacrifices made by dogs to enable so many humans to live after devastating diagnoses.

Additionally, NC State is a public research and teaching hospital that offers fellowships for students to learn about BMT and carry their experience to other places around the world, potentially improving canine cancer treatment options available elsewhere and continuing to expand the availability of canine BMTs.

The only other facility in the world offering canine BMTs is Bellingham Veterinary in Washington state. For many families, the cost and logistics of travelling across the country rule out BMT as an option altogether.

Please sign this petition to help save NC State's canine BMT program, and stop the pause on providing life-saving care to canine cancer patients in need immediately.