July 17, 2018 – Kathy O’Neil has lost six of her last seven dogs to cancer. Each death was devastating and far too painful – that’s why she is committed to making a change. Through her participation in the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study, along with her dog Vince (Hero #103), and through her membership in Morris Animal Foundation’s Lamplighter Society, she hopes to create brighter futures for dogs everywhere.
Established in 1991, the Lamplighter Society is a family of committed donors who have taken the special step of including the Foundation in their estate plans. They are dedicated to making a difference for generations of animals to come and choose to be part of the change, just like Kathy.
Kathy joined the Lamplighter Society in 2012, after being inspired by the story of another generous, dog-loving Lamplighter. Kathy remembered the pain and shock she felt as two of her beloved dogs died of hemangiosarcoma, a rapidly growing cancer of the blood vessel walls. When Kathy plays with Vince, “who is crazy, but so wonderful,” she realizes how much she wants to make sure dogs like Vince don’t suffer the same fate.
“My passion is dogs and I want to help find better ways to keep animals healthy and, hopefully, cure cancer,” said Kathy. “It feels good to be able to give.”
To show her dedication, Kathy designated a percentage of her estate to the Foundation.
It’s through the generosity of Lamplighters such as Kathy, that the Foundation can fund critical health research that advances animal care and the science of veterinary medicine for decades to come. Planned gifts made through life insurance plans, retirement assets, bequests or trusts make an incredible impact and help the Foundation plan for the future.
Please consider joining Kathy and start your own legacy by becoming a Lamplighter today.
