Be your dog’s hero. Help us chase away K9 cancer.
“I could tell you the longest story about the worst day of my life but that’s not how Chase should be remembered.
She left us yesterday after I took her to Sauvie Island one last time for a swim off a dock she has played on for years. It was strange: I have never seen the water in the Willamette so clear that you could see her entire body and her legs swimming away. She had a happy smile on her face and her tail was up and she enjoyed play time at the river. The cancer was getting her quicker than anyone expected so it was time for us to say good bye. My vet did a wonderful job and I held her to the end. She will never ever be forgotten and will fill our hearts forever with so many great memories.”
- Cera Reusser, Founder of Chase Away K9 Cancer
Sometimes it takes being in the presence of a hero to help others become heroic.
Welcome to the home page for the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Foundation’s Chase Away K9 Cancer Website: a portal of hope, healing, action, and promise!
Like many worthwhile organizations, the Chase Away K9 Cancer campaign finds its beginnings at the end of a great love and loss. And, like a Phoenix rising from the depths of sorrow, works to provide new hope and promise for many, now and in the future.
Chase was a beautiful black Lab, who achieved the designation of AKC Master Hunter, and Elite Jumper status in DockDogs’ Big Air and NW Challenge Championship in 2005. She was a picture of good health and vitality until her “mom,” Cera Reusser, discovered a lump under her chin. It turned out to be nasal carcinoma. Even after the best possible care by a Board-certified veterinary oncologist it was too late to save Chase. She died three months shy of her seventh birthday. But her unfailing devotion to her family and her courage throughout her ordeal earned her the title of hero.
Propelled to action by the loss and determined to find a cure for this devastating disease, Cera set off on a mission to do all she could to help in this crucial battle. She decided that she could be a hero for Chase. Her efforts through fundraising and organizing have made a huge difference in the fight against canine cancer. Her example has helped many others to join in this valiant fight.
We would like to express our deepest gratitude to Cera and all of those heroes whose passion and commitment have made such a difference in the fight against canine cancers.
You too can Chase Away K9 Cancer and help us improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of this terrible disease.
Featured Highlights
Take a few minutes on the 14th of each month to Do a Check to Chase Away K9 Cancer
We have launched a program where we will remind people once a month via Facebook to take a few minutes on the 14th of each month to Do a Check to Chase Away K9 Cancer. Please download this flyer and share it with your friends and family and become a fan on Facebook for more updates. Early detection may affect prognosis and treatment!
Surf Dog Ricochet's Canine Cancer Initiative
Ricochet the SURFice Dog will be surfing to Chase Away K9 Cancer at the Surf City Surf Dog contest in Huntington Beach, CA on September 19th. Read more about her efforts here.
Chase Away Funds to Support Fellowship
Thanks to your efforts and generosity we are proud to announce second year funding of Dr. Jennifer Ginn's Fellowship at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Read more about Dr. Ginn and her lymphoma project here.
New Call for Proposals Announced!
We are happy to announce that we are offering grants up to $50,000 total for Chase Away K9 Cancer. None of this would be possible without your support! For more details on how to submit a proposal, click here. Awardee(s) will be announce in Spring 2011.
Chase Away K9 Cancer receives its first Practice Sponsorship
Our thanks to the Animal Cancer Care Clinic for becoming the first veterinary practice to make a
Pioneer level donation. Read More...