Union County Animal Sanctuary Faces Funding Crisis as Owner Battles Cancer

Last Chance Animal Rescue struggles to cover $75,000 monthly costs as founder Whitney Lowery undergoes treatment for stage 4 cancer.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 11:49am

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An abstract, impressionistic photograph of several dogs playing in a grassy field, with soft, out-of-focus pools of warm light and color creating a calming, dreamlike scene.The peaceful sanctuary provides a loving home for hundreds of rescued animals, but now faces an uncertain future as its owner battles a serious illness.Union Today

Last Chance Animal Rescue, a sanctuary in Union County, South Carolina that provides a home for hundreds of abused, neglected, and medically challenged cats and dogs, is facing a major funding crisis as its founder and owner Whitney Lowery battles stage 4 endometrial cancer. The sanctuary has accrued $15,000 in credit card debt for animal care and $5,000 in vet services, while Lowery's medical bills and health changes have added significant financial strain.

Why it matters

The Last Chance Animal Rescue is a vital resource for Union County, providing a safe haven for animals that would otherwise have nowhere to go. Without the sanctuary, many of these animals would face an uncertain future or even euthanasia. Lowery's cancer diagnosis has put the sanctuary's future in jeopardy, highlighting the challenges that small, independent animal rescues face in maintaining operations.

The details

Last Chance Animal Rescue was founded by Whitney Lowery, who moved her adoption service hubs from New York to Union County in 2013. The sanctuary, nestled in the Sumter National Forest, welcomes animals regardless of their condition, with around 75% of the residents being long-term, permanent residents. Lowery was diagnosed with stage 4 endometrial cancer last fall, which has brought significant medical bills and health changes. The sanctuary's monthly budget is around $75,000, and Lowery has had to cut staff hours to fill financial gaps. The sanctuary has now launched an online fundraiser to cover operations through April.

  • Lowery was diagnosed with stage 4 endometrial cancer in the fall of 2025.
  • The sanctuary has accrued $15,000 in credit card debt for animal care and $5,000 in vet services.

The players

Whitney Lowery

The founder and owner of Last Chance Animal Rescue, a sanctuary in Union County, South Carolina that provides a home for hundreds of abused, neglected, and medically challenged cats and dogs. Lowery was diagnosed with stage 4 endometrial cancer in 2025.

Amber Mincey

The current head of animal services in Union County, who previously worked at the Last Chance Animal Rescue sanctuary and highlighted the importance of the rescue's work.

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What they’re saying

“It's a lot of work. It's a labor of love. Some days it's more just labor.”

— Whitney Lowery, Sanctuary Owner

“They do have good intentions. Some do and they get it over their head. It's important to have rescues like Whitney and her sanctuary because without it these dogs would have no one.”

— Amber Mincey, Head of Animal Services, Union County

What’s next

The sanctuary has launched an online fundraiser to cover its $75,000 monthly operating costs and address the $15,000 in credit card debt and $5,000 in vet bills accrued during Lowery's cancer treatment.

The takeaway

This story highlights the vital role that small, independent animal rescues play in providing a safety net for abused, neglected, and medically challenged pets, and the challenges they face in maintaining operations, especially when the founder faces a serious health crisis. The community's support will be crucial in ensuring the Last Chance Animal Rescue can continue its mission of caring for vulnerable animals.