It’s Raining Cats and Dogs: 17th Annual Paws for the Cause

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  Hundreds of people and dogs braved rainy weather to support the advancement of breast cancer research at Fox Chase Cancer Center, making the 17^th Annual Paws for the Cause a success. For the fifth year in a row, FOX 29 news anchor Dawn Timmeney hosted the event, with the addition of her dog Finley. Joining Dawn were Elias Obeid, MD, who talked about the research this event helps to fund, and Richard I. Fisher, MD, president and CEO of Fox Chase, who thanked the crowd for coming out to support the Center.

  In addition to the walkers, veterinarians, sponsors, animal rescue organizations, and vendors set up shop in the East Garage, offering participants a variety of canine goodies and information about the various services they provided.

  

  Rounding out the speeches, MJ Flannery, the patient advocate for the event, spoke about her treatment at Fox Chase and what led her to support the Center. “Having an event like Paws for the Cause brings people together to tell their story and possibly help someone else,” said Flannery, who has raised more than $14,000 during the last four years of walks with her dog, Buddy. “It's a reminder to enjoy the gift of life and to live it to the fullest with the ones around you. I have loved being a participant in the walk, and I’m looking forward to being an ambassador and helping raise critical funds that will help patients now and in the future.” 

  

  
  Guests enjoyed live music and delicious food generously donated by 7-Eleven. More than 40 gift baskets were raffled off and various prizes were awarded for best costume, best trick, and a look-a-like contest. In an abbreviated walk, owing to the rain, guests and their pups took a lap around the garage- staying dry while also honoring the spirit of the dog walking event.

  In all, this year’s Paws for the Cause raised over $50,000 to support breast cancer research at Fox Chase. Since its inception this annual event has raised $375,000 for cancer research.