Cancer is one of the most destructive diseases affecting humans today, but it’s often forgotten that our dogs are susceptible, too.

Senior Taylor Rickey’s dog, Bizzie, was diagnosed with lymphoma three years ago.

Lymphoma is one of the most common and treatable types of cancer found in dogs according to the National Canine Cancer Foundation, but families often can’t afford the treatment costs, which can range from $1,000 to $7,000.

Rickey and her family couldn’t treat Bizzie, and she died three months after her diagnosis.

“I try not to get too sad over it because my mom always says that Bizzie had a good life with us,” Rickey said.

Coping with the death of a pet is never easy, but she found comfort in helping others in similar situations.

Bizzie’s death has inspired Rickey to help other families pay off their pets’ chemotherapy costs.

As president of ARC (Animal Rescue Club), she founded Bizzie’s Lymphoma Foundation. The foundation works with Edwardsville Pet Hospital to raise money for canine lymphoma by hosting various fundraisers.

Rickey designed Bizzie’s Lymphoma Foundation bracelets, which sell for $2 each. She and other Animal Club Rescue members have sold 500 bracelets so far.

ARC member and junior Amanda Woll said the foundation hasn’t raised enough money to fully fund a cancer treatment yet, but she believes every cent can help.

Health insurance usually covers chemotherapy costs for humans, but dogs aren’t typically insured. So treatment costs for them are often paid out of pocket.

“Your pet getting cancer is the last thing you think about,” Woll said.

Tickets to support Bizzie’s Lymphoma Foundation are currently being sold for $10 a night at Edison’s on Jan. 31. Ticket-buyers will have access to bowling, laser tag and half-priced games.

Sophomore ARC member Paige Tulacro agrees with Woll that everything helps.

“Just knowing that we are able to help in getting dogs that much closer to getting the medical treatment they need and helping the families as much as we can is a really good feeling.”