Rhodesian Ridgeback Lovers Back AKC Canine Health Foundation Funded Cancer Research

05/10/2023
Author: Sharon M. Albright, DVM, CCRT

AKC Parent Clubs and their members are valued partners of the AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF), a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the health of all dogs. Since cancer is a common concern of dog owners, breeders, and veterinary professionals, this often takes the form of support for canine cancer research. A shining example of this is the recent matching funds offered by the Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States (RRCUS) and Rhodesian Ridgeback Charitable Foundation (RRCF). In October 2022, RRCUS (through its Donor Advised Fund held at CHF and its Nancy Krupa Fund) along with RRCF pledged to match donations to CHF-funded cancer research up to $30,000 a year over three years for a total gift of $90,000. (Read the press release here.)

“Now, more than ever, it is important to continue our support of research, especially cancer research, so that advances can be made in cancer detection, treatment and even prevention.” says RRCUS Health & Genetics Committee Co-Chair, Nancy A. Rich, DVM. “We proudly support CHF-funded cancer research to bring us closer to these goals for all of our beloved Ridgebacks.”

Since 1995, CHF and its donors have invested more than $17.7 million in 260+ canine cancer research grants at sites around the globe. These studies improve our understanding of many types of canine cancer, providing breakthroughs that allow veterinarians to diagnose cancer earlier and treat it more effectively. Since there are similarities among many canine and human cancers, what we learn in one species may benefit both.

“Cancer is a disease that impacts all dog breeds,” says Jeff Nearhoof, RRCF Treasurer. “While progress has been made in understanding the disease, there is an urgency to do more now. RRCF is proud to support this challenge to raise needed dollars to foster knowledge, helping researchers find solutions.”

Approximately one quarter of CHF’s active research funds are invested in cancer studies. Through this research, we have learned more about the role of water and air pollution in dog and human cancers such as lymphoma and bladder cancer, genetic mutations that increase a dog’s risk of histiocytic sarcoma (an aggressive blood cell cancer that also affects humans), a new non-invasive treatment for bone cancer, and more. For more information about CHF’s commitment to fighting canine cancer – including how you can participate in and support CHF-funded canine cancer research – visit www.akcchf.org/caninecancer.

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