Waukesha County Boy, 12, Raises Money For Dog's Cancer Treatments

WAUKESHA COUNTY, WI – A 12-year-old boy from Waukesha County wants people to know dogs are family.

Aiden Vorachack of Pewaukee celebrated his dog Ryder's 5th birthday Sunday. The caramel-colored pup was serenaded with songs and light fanfare but no treats.

"He can't have any sugar because of the chemo," Vorachack said.

Ryder was recently diagnosed with mast cell tumor cancer, stage 2. Jennifer Wiegelman, Aiden's mother, said she noticed a lump on Ryder's leg around Memorial Day. The veterinarian said he needed to have surgery to remove it.

"The first initial surgery date we took him in, and the tumor had grown," she said. "They couldn't do the surgery because he didn't have enough skin to close the wound."

Ryder had to take medicine in an attempt to shrink the tumor. The tumor was removable, but the cancer was still present.

"We knew we had to start chemo or we would be losing him in four to six months," she said.

As the treatment costs accumulated, Vorachack offered to raise money by running a lemonade stand.

Life's Lemons

Ryder needs five to six chemotherapy treatments. Vorachack’s first lemonade stand was held in early July and raised enough money for four chemo treatments.

The Pewaukee Fire and Police Departments showed up, along with many Pewaukee residents to show support.

Vorachack and his family held a second lemonade stand Saturday in Waukesha. They raised enough for almost two chemo treatments.

The Southern Waukesha County Canine Search and Rescue invited the family to raise money during its event Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Eagle Village Park.

The family also set up a GoFundMe campaign, which had raised close to $3,000 as of Tuesday. Ryder was getting his chemo therapy through Lakeshore Veterinary Specialists.

On Monday, the family received upsetting news. Ryder has a few new tumors. The vet suggested switching him to a new chemo drug and recommended starting radiation.

"We were told if he didn’t get radiation therapy, he has just weeks to live. With it, it’s not promised, but we could gain 18-24 months," Wiegelman said.

Radiation for four to six treatments is $3,500. His new chemo drug has an increased price at $800 per infusion (every three weeks), Wiegelman said.

"The goal was $8,000, but we may have to up it because Ryder now needs radiation," Wiegelman said.

"Today was a tough day, but we know God's plan is bigger than ours, and we choose to trust the process," she said.

'He Is Family'

Wiegelman and husband Randy Richardson joined a few social media groups devoted to Ryder's type of cancer. The family has appreciated the support and information the group provides.

Ryder came into their lives when he was a puppy from the Wisconsin Humane Society. Vorachack said Ryder does some rather amusing things for food.

The canine has been known to stand on the kitchen table during meal times.

"Ryder knows his paw will get him food, so he will slap you," Vorachack said.

In a Zoom interview, Ryder was pushing his food bowl around.

"He is currently knocking his food dish around because he wants more food. He gets mad," Wiegelman said.

Ryder's hearty appetite is a good sign things are improving. His weight was 113 pounds and dropped down to 99 pounds during his treatment. Today the family learned he was back up to 106 pounds.

The family also has a Facebook page devoted to Ryder.

What has been tough is comments such as, "It is a dog, just get another one."

"He isn't just a dog in our lives. He is family," both Wiegelman and Vorachack said simultaneously.

Because of his treatments, Ryder is unable to walk up and down stairs. Wiegelman put her mattress downstairs so that he could still sleep in their bed.

"Ryder has never not slept upstairs in our room. We didn't want him to feel neglected," she said.

When she goes to work, she wakes Vorachack up. He comes downstairs to watch his friend Ryder.

Aiden has advice to other kids who have a sick animal.

"Hang out with them as much as you can. You never know when their last day is going to be with you," he said.

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