It is with sadness and hope that we write to let you know that this week our beloved four-legged Animator, Tosh, was diagnosed with an aggressive bone cancer in his right cheek (zygomatic arch).  The doctors said that, if left untreated, they believe he has one to four months to live.

 

Many of you have been touched by Tosh's loving, empathic, and playful presence on Play in the Wild!, Dialogues of the Heart retreats, Ongo private sessions, and other peace and nonviolence trainings that we've offered. In fact, his love has rippled out across six continents as he's connected with people of all ages from Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, the Congo, England, India, Iraq, Israel, Japan, Palestine, Syria, Turkey, the United States, and Wales. Clearly, Tosh loves his work, and those whose lives he's touched love Tosh.

 

This week, the Play in the Wild! team and several Board Members of Baba Tree International (the nonprofit organization behind Play in the Wild!) met to discuss how to respond to this news. As Tosh so far shows no signs of being ready to leave this life, we have decided to pursue a special kind of precision radiation treatment that could potentially cure the cancer or at least extend his life one or two more years with minimal pain or side effects. We came to this difficult decision because we wanted to honor his years of service by giving him more time to do what he loves best, empathizing and playing with those who come to train in nonviolence.

 

Tosh will leave on Tuesday for Yonkers, NY to go to the specialty facility that will perform the radiation treatment for the next two weeks. We will post updates on our Play in the Wild! Facebook page for ease and inclusion. Please go there and post pictures you have of Tosh and share stories so we can all give Tosh positive life force to support his healing and full recovery.

 

For those who feel called to financially contribute to cover the costs of Tosh's full recovery, click on the "Donate Here" link below. These donations, through Baba Tree International, are fully tax-deductible in the U.S.  The radiation treatment itself is estimated to cost $9,000 USD and further follow-up care, including chemotherapy or pain medications will likely cost more.  At this time, all team members are gratefully contributing a portion of their pay towards covering these costs. Additional support is needed and deeply appreciated.