Press Release

CancerCare^® Launches Financial Assistance Component of Pet Assistance and Wellness (PAW) Program to Help Cat and Dog Owners Affected by Cancer

CancerCare, the leading national nonprofit organization providing free, professional support services to anyone affected by cancer, is excited to announce the launch of the financial assistance component of the CancerCare Pet Assistance & Wellness (PAW) Program.

The PAW Program helps people living with cancer in active treatment and their loved ones care for their cats or dogs during the emotional, physical and financial challenges of cancer treatment. CancerCare recognizes that pets are an integral part of a cancer patient’s support network and developed this program to address the distinct needs of people with cancer who share their home with a cat or dog.

This national program is comprised of the following core services:

• Limited financial assistance to qualified patients who are both owners of a cat or dog and in active treatment to offset expenses, including pet food, pet walking/sitting, boarding fees, veterinarian expenses, medications and lab fees
  
• Educational programs and materials focused on caring for pets throughout the cancer journey, to cover topics such as how to care for one’s pet during cancer treatment, guidance on how to reduce one’s risk of infection from pets, as well as finding local support programs
  
• Free counseling services for both people with cancer and their loved ones

  “As a cancer survivor and pet lover, I know firsthand how important a beloved pet can be to recovery and emotional well-being,” said Patricia J. Goldsmith, CancerCare’s CEO. “I am thrilled to offer this unique program as one more way to support the nearly 200,000 individuals who turn to us for help and hope each year.”

  The CancerCare PAW Program officially opened to the public last year with an educational webcast and educational booklet, and the financial assistance component formally launched on March 2, 2020. For financial assistance requirements or more information on the PAW program, please visit here or call our Hopeline at 800-813-HOPE (4673).

  The launch of CancerCare’s Pet Assistance & Wellness program is made possible by the generous support of the Patricia A. O’Callaghan Animal Care Foundation.

  About CancerCare^®
  
  Founded in 1944, CancerCare is the leading national organization providing free, professional support services and information to help people manage the emotional, practical and financial challenges of cancer. Our comprehensive services include counseling and support groups over the phone, online and in-person, educational workshops, publications and financial and co-payment assistance. All CancerCare services are provided by master’s-prepared oncology social workers and world-leading cancer experts.

  To learn more, visit www.cancercare.org or call 800-813-HOPE (4673).

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