American German Shepherd Dog Charitable Foundation and AKC Canine Health Foundation Join Efforts for Canine Hemangiosarcoma Research

MEDIA CONTACT: Bradford Brady Director of Development and Communications AKC Canine Health Foundation Phone: 919-334-4023 E-mail: bradford.brady@akcchf.org	MEDIA CONTACT: Debra Ann Hokkanen President, American German Shepherd Dog Charitable Foundation Phone: 508-852-4473 Ellie Carson Treasurer, American German Shepherd Dog Charitable Foundation

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

RALEIGH, NC (December 21, 2018) –

The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF), working alongside the American German Shepherd Dog Charitable Foundation (AGSDCF), offers a new matched funding opportunity for their Hemangiosarcoma Research Initiative. The AGSDCF will match donations to hemangiosarcoma research up to $33,500 as part of a three-year pledge to fight this devastating canine cancer. This new pledge brings CHF’s matched fundraising opportunity through the Hemangiosarcoma Research Initiative to a total of $358,500 for 2018.

“We are thrilled to continue our ongoing collaboration with the American German Shepherd Dog Charitable Foundation to raise funds for the Hemangiosarcoma Research Initiative,” states Dr. Diane Brown, CHF CEO. “This deadly cancer affects many dogs. CHF, along with its donors and breed club partners, is determined to improve the lives of the dogs and families affected by hemangiosarcoma.”

Hemangiosarcoma is a rapidly progressing cancer of the cells that line canine blood vessels. It most often affects a dog’s spleen and heart. Since 1995, CHF has invested over $2.3 million in 21 different studies to better understand the biology and progression of canine hemangiosarcoma in an effort to design new and effective approaches for prevention and treatment. CHF will continue to expand its hemangiosarcoma research funding opportunities through this initiative as part of a diverse portfolio of more than 115 currently active canine health research grants. 

“The American German Shepherd Dog Charitable Foundation is honored to partner with the AKC Canine Health Foundation to further our knowledge of hemangiosarcoma and improve the health of our breed and all dogs,” states AGSDCF President, Debra Ann Hokkanen. “We are all responsible for giving something back of ourselves to our respective breeds in thanks for the special dogs who are in our heart and soul and make our daily lives happier. They ask nothing more than to be with us and have their health needs met. Working with CHF, the AGSDCF, or your breed foundation can make this happen!”

The Hemangiosarcoma Research Initiative was launched in January 2018 to focus on new approaches to diagnose and treat this aggressive cancer. The grants awarded through this initiative, along with CHF’s other oncology research grants, will help scientists study cancer at the cellular level and provide breakthroughs in diagnostic and treatment options. Thanks to the generous support of its donors and the collaborative efforts of the American Kennel Club, AGSDCF, Flat-Coated Retriever Foundation, and Golden Retriever Foundation for hemangiosarcoma research, CHF will continue to invest in important canine health research so that all dogs can live longer, healthier lives. To learn more and to join us to meet this match, visit www.akcchf.org.

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About AKC Canine Health Foundation
Since 1995, the AKC Canine Health Foundation has leveraged the power of science to address the health needs of all dogs. The Foundation funds the highest quality canine health research and shares information on the funded discoveries that help prevent, treat and cure canine diseases. The Foundation meets and exceeds industry standards for fiscal responsibility, as demonstrated by their four-star Charity Navigator rating and GuideStar Platinum seal. Learn more at www.akcchf.org.

About the American German Shepherd Dog Charitable Foundation
The American German Shepherd Dog Charitable Foundation, Inc. was founded in 1984 and serves as a non-profit organization devoted to funding research projects that improve the health of the German Shepherd Dog.