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The mission of CancerCare’s Pet Assistance & Wellness (PAW) Program is to help people diagnosed with cancer stay together with their beloved pets. Cancer impacts many aspects of each person’s life, from physical health to mental health, employment, finances, relationships and the ability to care for and keep a pet. For many of our clients, especially those that live alone, a pet may be their primary, or only, source of support throughout their cancer experience. The many stressors of a diagnosis, however, can put that cherished relationship with their pet at risk.

In December, CancerCare distributed warm winter accessories to 137 children and teenagers, as part of its Winter Warmth program and 149 children and teens received gift cards, as part of the Holiday Gift Card Program.

For the last seven years, CancerCare for Kids has provided warmth for families throughout the cold tri-state winters. In December, CancerCare’s social work and facilities teams wrapped up the holiday season, putting together packages of winter accessories, including blankets, gloves, hats and scarves, to send to 130 children and teenagers whose families have been affected by cancer.

CancerCare’s Pet Assistance & Wellness (PAW) Program addresses the distinct needs of people with cancer who share their home with a cat or dog. Dr. Fumiko Chino, a treating radiation oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, is part of our PAW Program panel of experts who are here to answer questions people undergoing cancer treatment may have regarding the challenges of keeping their pets at home.

CancerCare’s Pet Assistance & Wellness (PAW) Program addresses the distinct needs of people with cancer who share their home with a cat or dog. Dr. Lidia Schapira, a professor of medicine (medical oncologist) at Stanford University School of Medicine, is part of our PAW Program panel of experts who are here to answer any questions people undergoing cancer treatment may have regarding the challenges of keeping their cat or dog at home.

This winter has been a little warmer for those affected by cancer due to the Winter Warmth Program, one of the initiatives provided by CancerCare for Kids. Now in its 6th season, the program sent care packages containing winter accessories, including a donation of socks by BOMBAS, to nearly 200 children and teenagers from 76 families in the tri-state area.

CancerCare’s free programs and services are made possible by a variety of client-facing and behind-the-scenes teams. Beginning this month, we will be featuring staff members from across the organization to recognize their important contributions to CancerCare. It takes a village!

Recently, Triage Cancer and CancerCare, in collaboration with Eisai Inc., partnered to develop Magnolia Purpose in Planning^™, a program that connects people affected by cancer to a library of personal affairs planning resources, all on one website. The program highlights the importance of ensuring those living with cancer, as well as their families and caregivers, are equipped with the knowledge and resources they need to make informed decisions.

Susan G. Komen^® is committed to bridging financial gaps for underserved individuals coping with breast cancer across the country. Offered in partnership with CancerCare, the Susan G. Komen Treatment Assistance Program is open to low-income, underinsured or uninsured women who are actively undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

CancerCare recently received a $700,000 grant from The New York Community Trust to provide financial assistance to low-income New Yorkers affected by cancer.