Morris Animal Foundation’s annual pet cancer research campaign just received a funding boost, thanks to a dollar-for-dollar pledge from two industry players.
Petco Love and Blue Buffalo have each awarded a $100,000 grant to the foundation as part of its “Stop Cancer Furever” fundraising effort. The donations serve as matching gifts for the campaign, with the groups matching, dollar for dollar, all contributions up to $100,000 made until June 30.
The event shines a spotlight on companion animal cancer and raises funds for research advancing cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
“We know pets are family, and too many pet parents are facing the challenges a cancer diagnosis brings,” says Susanne Kogut, president of Petco Love. “We are proud to support the work being done through Morris Animal Foundation in furthering animal cancer research to save pets’ lives, and further Petco Love’s mission of making pet families closer, stronge,r and healthier.”
More than 12 million pets in the U.S. are diagnosed with cancer each year, Morris Animal Foundation says. It is the leading cause of death in dogs over the age of two and the second leading cause of death in cats.
“Blue Buffalo’s founders know the impact of pet cancer all too well as their family dog, Blue, suffered three bouts of this devastating disease,” says Blue Buffalo’s senior manager of consumer activation, Haley Perry. “In honor of Blue, we are committed to raising awareness and supporting critical research to help find a cure.”
Since 2010, Petco Love and Blue Buffalo have partnered to raise funds supporting cancer research at Morris Animal Foundation, donating more than $7 million toward canine and feline cancer research to date.
“We are grateful to Petco Love and Blue Buffalo for their continued partnership in the fight against animal cancer,” says Morris Animal Foundation’s president and CEO, Tiffany Grunert. “Far too many pets suffer from the devastating effects of this disease, and the generous matching gift will allow us to keep funding cutting-edge research to advance veterinary cancer science for our beloved companion animals and wildlife.”
Morris Animal Foundation has funded more than 300 cancer studies and invested nearly $40 million, thanks to donor support.
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