Options
We want families to have the opportunity to consider medically reasonable next steps rather than having cost end the conversation before it begins.
ABOUT THE FOUNDATION
Built from one family's experience. Created to help another.
The Nala Legacy Foundation was created in memory of Nala and inspired by the opportunity her family had to pursue every medically reasonable option during her final illness.
WHY WE EXIST
We had the ability to keep asking, “What else can we do?”
During Nala's illness, our family was fortunate to have the financial ability to pursue veterinary visits, diagnostics, imaging, emergency care, specialists and every medically reasonable option available to her.
Ultimately, there was no option that could give Nala more quality time. We did not lose her because we could not afford to keep fighting. We lost her because medicine had run out of reasonable options for her.
That experience left us thinking about families who receive different news: there is another test, procedure or treatment worth pursuing—but the cost makes the decision for them.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
Financial circumstances should not be the only thing deciding whether a medically reasonable option can be pursued.
The Foundation exists to create access to options—not to dictate decisions. Veterinary guidance, quality of life, expected benefit and love for the animal should remain at the center of every choice.
OUR PRINCIPLES
The values behind the work.
Quality of Life
More treatment is not always better treatment. The animal's comfort, dignity and best interests must remain central.
Responsible Assistance
Our program is being designed around veterinary verification, defined eligibility standards and assistance directed toward approved veterinary care.
Nala's Legacy
Nala is not simply the name attached to this mission. Her life, her story and what she meant to her family are the reason the Foundation exists.
OUR PROMISE
We cannot promise every family a different ending than ours.
What we can do is help give families the opportunity we had—the ability to pursue reasonable options and make decisions based on what is best for the animal they love.
Nala had every option available to her. Her legacy will be helping make those options available to others.
FOUNDATION LEADERSHIP
Carrying the mission forward.
The Foundation is governed by its founding Board of Directors as it completes its organizational and federal tax-exempt startup work.
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Derek Elsrod
Founder & President
Derek founded The Nala Legacy Foundation to turn the experience of losing Nala into meaningful help for families facing serious veterinary decisions.
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Shea Elsrod
Vice President
As part of Nala's family and the Foundation's founding board, Shea helps ensure the mission remains grounded in compassion, family and Nala's legacy.
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Nathan Noonchester
Director
Nathan serves on the founding Board of Directors, supporting responsible governance as the Foundation develops its charitable programs and community impact.
WHERE WE ARE TODAY
A new organization with a very clear purpose.
The Nala Legacy Foundation, Inc. is an Indiana nonprofit corporation. We are completing organizational and federal tax-exempt steps before opening assistance and donation programs.
As policies, eligibility standards and program details are finalized, they will be published here before applications begin.