AKC Canine Health Foundation Celebrates Matched Canine Cancer Research Donations

MEDIA CONTACT:
Sharon M. Albright, DVM, CCRT
Manager of Communications & Veterinary Outreach
AKC Canine Health Foundation
Phone: 919-334-4019
E-mail: sharon.albright@akcchf.org

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

RALEIGH, NC (September 27, 2019) – With tremendous support from donors concerned about canine cancer, the AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) celebrates their 2019 Canine Cancer Research Initiative matched by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and announces a new match challenge for canine hemangiosarcoma research. 

This year the AKC offered a matched grant of $250,000 to CHF for canine cancer research. Through this match opportunity, dog lovers rose to the challenge to support research on cancers that affect dogs – including lymphoma, bladder cancer, brain tumors, and hemangiosarcoma. As a result of this significant support, CHF has awarded 13 new canine cancer research grants totaling $1.36 million through this and other cancer funding challenges since 2018.

“Cancer is an important health concern for all dogs and their people,” states CHF Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Diane Brown. “We thank the American Kennel Club and our generous supporters for helping CHF to drive and sustain funding for the many promising canine cancer studies funded through CHF.”

CHF also announces a new opportunity for matched donations to canine hemangiosarcoma research. Hemangiosarcoma is a devastating cancer that can affect all dogs. Starting October 1, 2019, the American German Shepherd Dog Charitable Foundation (AGSDCF) will match donations to CHF’s Hemangiosarcoma Research Initiative up to $33,500 as part of a three-year, $100,000 pledge to fight this devastating canine cancer. The Hemangiosarcoma Research Initiative was launched in January 2018 to focus on new approaches to diagnose and treat this aggressive cancer of the cells that line canine blood vessels.

“The American German Shepherd Dog Charitable Foundation is dedicated to working with the AKC Canine Health Foundation to improve the health of German Shepherd Dogs and all dogs,” states AGSDCF President, Debra Ann Hokkanen. “Hemangiosarcoma is a horrible disease and we encourage all dog owners to join the fight to end it!”

Since its founding in 1995, CHF has invested more than $13.46 million in 216 different studies to better understand the biology and progression of canine cancer, including hemangiosarcoma. These studies, available for review in CHF’s Research Grants Portfolio at www.akcchf.org/portfolio, will help veterinarians diagnose cancer earlier and treat it more effectively. Those interested in contributing to canine cancer research and to help CHF meet the match should visit www.akcchf.org/match.

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About CHF
Since 1995, the AKC Canine Health Foundation has leveraged the power of science to address the health needs of all dogs. With more than $52 million in funding to date, the Foundation provides grants for the highest quality canine health research and shares information on the discoveries that help prevent, treat and cure canine diseases. The Foundation meets and exceeds industry standards for fiscal responsibility, as demonstrated by their highest four-star Charity Navigator rating and GuideStar Platinum Seal of Transparency. Learn more at www.akcchf.org.