July 1, 2020 – For Eric and Renee Chester, cancer is personal. They lost their first two golden retrievers to lymphoma and Renee lost both her parents to cancer. Like so many people touched by this disease, Eric and Renee were looking for a way to make a difference.
Their search led them to the Foundation’s Golden Retriever Lifetime Study, a groundbreaking project to help identify risk factors for canine cancer and other diseases. Eric and Renee’s two young golden retrievers, Elliott and Henry, are Study participants.
“Most people know goldens are a high-risk breed for cancer,” said Eric. “And, while we know the Study may not have an immediate impact on our dogs’ lives, I believe 20 years down the road, we will still be learning more things about cancer from this study that will help countless pets and maybe people, too.”
Sharing what they have learned is part of the philanthropy journey for Eric and Renee. And the dogs are adorable, willing helpers.
“We take Elliott and Henry with us as we travel the East Coast,” said Renee. “And the boys have become wagging ambassadors for the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study. They provide us a great opportunity to talk about the Foundation and the Study’s cancer work with the people we meet.”
“Goldens, like all pets, steal your heart,” said Eric. “They make every day even better. It’s important to make their lives even better too. It’s why we support the Foundation so we can learn more about the triggers of cancer and help our pets.”
