Sniff and Go Fundraiser for the Fitzgerald Family

Sniff & Go Fundraiser

Date: Sunday, December 7th, 2025

Location: Lumber Dealers Services and Supply N61 W23049 Silver Spring Dr. Sussex WI.

Start Time: 8:30 AM. Specific start times will be assigned based on the number of competitors at each level. Participants will receive an email notification one week prior to the event with their assigned start time.

Levels Offered: NW1/Novice, NW2/Advanced/Excellent, NW3/Master

Cost: $100.00 per team.

Additional Contributions & Prizes:

• Bring a $50.00 gift card (e.g., Amazon, Target, Visa) to be entered into a drawing for 4 scent work training classes (value $120.00) with Scent Sleuth. Three winners will be drawn.
• Bring a $25.00 gift card to be entered into a drawing for 2 scent work training classes (value $60.00) with Scent Sleuth. Three winners will be drawn.
• Winners will be notified by email after the event has concluded.

Proceeds: 100% of entry fees and gift card donations will go directly to the Fitzgerald Family.

Search Areas: The three search areas will consist of one large office area with multiple rooms, a warehouse search area, and an interior container search with multiple types of containers.

Search Rules: All searches will run consecutively and will be timed. No additional time for instruction or coaching will be given. Once your searches are concluded, you are free to head home.

Special Thanks:

• Lumber Dealers and Services Supply is graciously donating their entire facility for our event.
• Scent Sleuth LLC is assuming any additional costs associated with our event.

Susan and Ryan Fitzgerald Family

2024 and 2025 have been beyond challenging years for the Fitzgerald Family. Cancer has drastically affected this family and changed their lives forever. 

Ryan Fitzgerald  was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer in January of 2024.  Then, his wife, Susan, was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer six months later.  They have a 9 year-old son, Jake, who has been a superstar through it all!

These cancer diagnoses have made life so much more challenging emotionally, physically and financially for the Fitzgerald Family. Their daily lives are filled with medical appointments, medications, and daily health repercussions from the side effects of their cancer treatments. When work, everyday life, parenting, household tasks and other responsibilities have been added to their health challenges and issues, they have experienced times where their life has been very difficult and overwhelming.  

Ryan's Cancer Background

Ryan was diagnosed with a mass/tumor on the frontal right lobe of his brain on January 4th, 2024. He underwent surgery on January 10th, 2024, at which time 95% of the tumor was removed. He was diagnosed with brain cancer, specifically with grade 3 anaplastic astrocytoma.

Ryan has completed proton radiation therapy and currently is receiving chemotherapy. He continues to have regular MRIs and treatment to address his cancer. Ryan's cancer is not curable and is considered a terminal diagnosis. The good news however, is that Ryan is doing well, and at this current time, the doctors consider his cancer to be "stable." 

Due to the surgery, location of the cancer in his brain, and long-term side effects of radiation, Ryan has developed short term memory loss and some deficits that affect him both physically and mentally.  Ryan is now unable to work as a result of this. 

Susan's Cancer Background

Suan was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in July, 2024. Specifically, invasive ductal carcinoma, stage 3. Susan completed 6 months of IV chemotherapy and in January, 2025, underwent a double mastectomy, reconstruction surgery.  Unfortunately, the chemotherapy was not able to destroy all of the cancer and Susan required an additional 6 months of chemotherapy, which she completed recently in September, 2025. 

As of October, 2025, Susan is in remission! Susan underwent another necessary reconstruction surgery on 10/14/25. This surgery was to address complications associated with scar tissue, adhesions, hernia and a few other issues.  She continues to have physical therapy and is on the road to a full recovery! 

Susan is a Post-Anesthesia Care Nurse and has not been able to work since November of 2024.   Due to the long-term side effects of Chemotherapy and her reconstructive surgeries, she is not able to return to work at this moment in time. 

How to Help the Fitzgerald Family

As you can imagine, this past year has been extremely stressful for the Fitzgerald Family.

In an effort to help ease the stress of their financial burden with medical expenses and to help in providing their 9 year-old son, Jake, a memorable Christmas, any financial donations would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!