» littleton veterinary clinic honors patients at estes park k9k
Littleton Veterinary Clinic Honors Patients at Estes Park K9K Walk to Cure Canine Cancer
Denver/Sept. 15, 2009 - National canine cancer statistics are startling-and for staff members at Colorado Veterinary Specialists, the fatal disease too often strikes close to home. Some are cancer survivors themselves, some have seen their pets struggle with the disease and all have given cancer diagnoses to pet owners too frequently.
That personal and professional experience prompted this veterinary hospital in Littleton to participate in the K9K Walk to Cure Canine Cancer in Estes Park on Sept. 19, 2009. The event benefits Denver-based Morris Animal Foundation's (MAF) Canine Cancer Campaign, which funds research into cancer prevention and treatment.
"It is important for people to understand that we are dedicated to a cure," says Beth Lewis, DVM, DACVS, whose basset hound Dash is undergoing treatment for lymphoma.
Elizabeth Hanssard, a customer service representative who organized the hospital's K9K team, lost her Airedale terrier Elszie to osteosarcoma, an all too common and painful bone cancer. "As a cancer survivor myself, I would like to see treatments developed for our canine friends that have a higher success rate."
The Estes Park K9K was organized by Patty Henderson, whose best friend lost her dog, Emily, to canine cancer. The event will feature three speakers, including Robin Downing, DVM, CVA, CCRP, DAAPM, owner of Windsor Veterinary Clinic and the Downing Center for Animal Pain Management; Deanne Worley, DVM, DACVS, a surgical oncologist at Colorado State University's Animal Cancer Center; and Patricia Olson, DVM, PhD, MAF President/CEO. Learn more at www.caninek.org/EstesPark/.
Dr. Olson will speak about the ways in which MAF-funded research provides veterinarians with new tools as well as its special canine cancer initiative. To date, the Foundation has sponsored more than 150 cancer studies to improve veterinary treatments and testing for canine cancer.
"It is a very exciting time to be involved in the advancement of veterinary oncology," writes Beth Lewis, DVM, who says that one in four patients at her surgical referral practice in Littleton are diagnosed or treated for cancer.
In addition to their participation in the Estes Park K9K, Colorado Veterinary Specialists supports research efforts through MAF's memorial card program, which honors special pets and funds researchers around the world.
"Great advancements have been achieved in the treatment of certain cancers, such as melanoma and mast cell tumors," Lewis adds. "And newer treatments have allowed significant increase in survival time, but continued research is needed for commonly diagnosed malignancies, such as osteosarcoma, lymphoma and hemangiosarcoma, which continue to frustrate us as clinicians. Only by providing the necessary funding to researchers who specialize in these areas will we make significant advances to find a cure."
The hospital will honor nine patients on Sept. 19. And with their continued support of animal health research, these veterinary professionals provide clients-and animal lovers around the world-with hope for a cure.
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About MAF: Morris Animal Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 1948, is dedicated to funding animal health research that protects, treats and cures companion animals, horses and wildlife. MAF has been at the forefront of funding breakthrough research studies benefiting animals on all seven continents. MAF has its headquarters in Denver. Charity Navigator ranks MAF as a four-star charity, the highest rating. MAF is a BBB Wise Giving Alliance Charity Seal Holder. For more information, call 800.243.2345 or visit MorrisAnimalFoundation.org.
Press contact: Heidi Jeter, hjeter@MorrisAnimalFoundation.org, 303.708.3404
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