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Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.
Running the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on her birthday, Nissa Sampson reached Mile 23—just as she wanted to quit—to find her dog, Zissou, waiting curbside wearing a bandana that read “Happy Birthday Mom”. Zissou is battling untreatable cancer, estimated at day 268 of a 540-day timeline.
Key details of the story include:
- Running for a Cause: Sampson ran with Team Roo to support the Live Like Roo Foundation, a Chicago-area nonprofit that helped cover Zissou’s cancer treatments.
- A Surprise Reunion: The moment was arranged along “Rescue Row” (Miles 22–24) by foundation executive director Sarah Lauch and Sampson’s husband, Chris Griffith.
- Impact of Live Like Roo: Founded in 2016 in honor of a rescue dog named Roo, the foundation has granted over $3.7 million to support 35,000+ families facing pet cancer diagnoses.
- Team Roo Success: Team Roo raised over $100,000 at this year’s Chicago Marathon to aid families dealing with veterinary cancer costs.
“Sampson said seeing Zissou right when she wanted to quit reinforced both her bond with her dog and the importance of Live Like Roo’s mission,” according to reports.
Originally reported by Damon R. Sheffield.
