Joint Collaboration to Fight Aggressive Form of Canine Cancer

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: Brandi Hunter VP Public Relations and Communications American Kennel Club Phone: 212-696-8220 E-mail: Brandi.Hunter@akc.org	MEDIA CONTACT: John Cotter President Golden Retriever Foundation E-mail: president@goldenretrieverfoundation.org

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

Joint Collaboration to Fight Aggressive Form of Canine Cancer

RALEIGH, NC (August 3, 2018) –

The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) announces an ongoing matched funding opportunity for their Hemangiosarcoma Research Initiative. In 2018, the American Kennel Club (AKC) has matched donations made to CHF’s hemangiosarcoma research initiative up to $250,000. Thanks to the generosity of many dog clubs and individuals who share CHF’s passion to beat this deadly disease, CHF recently met this fundraising goal. To further augment the fight against hemangiosarcoma, the Golden Retriever Foundation (GRF) has generously extended the match for donations to CHF hemangiosarcoma research up to an additional $50,000, bringing CHF’s matched fundraising opportunity through this research initiative to $300,000 total.

“Hemangiosarcoma is a devastating disease in dogs, and CHF continues to invest in research to address this aggressive form of cancer for dogs,” states Dr. Diane Brown, CHF CEO. “Through the collaboration and generosity of the American Kennel Club and the Golden Retriever Foundation, our donors are more impassioned than ever to work with CHF to find and fund the best research to address this cancer in dogs now.”

Hemangiosarcoma is a rapidly progressing cancer of the cells that line canine blood vessels. It most often affects the spleen and heart. Since 1995, CHF has invested over $1.9 million in 23 different studies to better understand the biology and progression of canine hemangiosarcoma in an effort to design new and effective approaches to prevention and treatment. CHF has ongoing hemangiosarcoma research, part of more than 140 actively managed health research grants, and will be expanding research funding opportunities through this initiative.

As the world’s largest registry of purebred dogs, the AKC works closely with CHF to understand and address the health needs of dogs. “Cancer is a top concern of dog owners and we stand with CHF in the search for solutions,” states Brandi Hunter, Vice President of AKC Public Relations and Communications

"The Golden Retriever Foundation is committed to finding a cause and cure for hemangiosarcoma, a horrible cancer that defies early detection and lacks a remedy,” states John Cotter, GRF President. “We hope this extended match will allow individuals and organizations who have been adversely affected by hemangiosarcoma to participate in eradicating this disease.”

Thanks to the generous support of donors and the collaborative efforts of the AKC and the GRF, CHF will continue to invest in canine health research so that all dogs can live longer, healthier lives.

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About CHF

Since 1995, the Raleigh, NC-based AKC Canine Health Foundation has leveraged the power of science and research to improve the lives of dogs. The Foundation works to prevent, treat and cure diseases that impact all dogs, while providing professional information and resources for a new breed of dog owner. Take action because you care; find out more online at www.akcchf.org.

About the American Kennel Club

Founded in 1884, the American Kennel Club is a not-for-profit organization which maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world and oversees the sport of purebred dogs in the United States. The AKC is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function.  Along with its more than 5,000 licensed and member clubs and its affiliated organizations, the AKC advocates for the purebred dog as a family companion, advances canine health and well-being, works to protect the rights of all dog owners and promotes responsible dog ownership. More than 22,000 competitions for AKC-registered purebred dogs are held under AKC rules and regulations each year including conformation, agility, obedience, rally, tracking, herding, lure coursing, coonhound events, hunt tests, field and earthdog tests. Affiliate AKC organizations include the AKC Humane Fund, AKC Canine Health Foundation, AKC Reunite and the AKC Museum of the Dog.  For more information, visit www.akc.org.

About the Golden Retriever Foundation

The Golden Retriever Foundation’s mission is to foster and promote the public's knowledge and appreciation of dogs in general and Golden Retrievers in particular; to further understanding of the diseases, genetic defects, injuries and other ailments that afflict dogs in general and Golden Retrievers in particular; to promote and assist the development, publication and dissemination of educational materials about the proper care, treatment, breeding, health, development and training of Golden Retrievers; and to foster and promote the rescue, rehabilitation and placement of displaced Golden Retrievers. Learn more at www.goldenretrieverfoundation.org.