PHILADELPHIA (April 3, 2024) — It is official! The fundraising period has kicked off for Fox Chase Cancer Center’s Paws for the Cause 2024, presented by the Board of Associates. Supporters came together at a special tea in March to introduce this year’s event ambassadors and to sign up participants for this beloved dog walk, set for Sunday, September 15, 2024.
“Not only is it our 25th anniversary, but it’s also the year we will, hopefully, with your help, surpass a total of $1 million dollars raised over the years through this event,” noted Barbara O’Donnell, President of the Board of Associates, as she welcomed everyone to the special tea.
Prizes and people filled the Fox Chase Cafeteria for the afternoon event, which featured special refreshments, a raffle, giveaway water bottles, and plenty of dog lovers eager to support this fun event with their furry friends.
O’Donnell introduced this year’s patient and physician ambassadors during the festivities.
Annie Miyazaki-Grant—accompanied by her mini golden doodles, Arthur and Ruby—will serve as the 2024 patient ambassador. She shared her personal story via video, recounting how she was first introduced to Fox Chase through her friends, Drs. Jason and Emily Castellanos, and her participation with them at Paws for the Cause in 2021.
“Little did I know that a mere seven months later, I would be visiting Fox Chase again—this time, as a patient,” Miyazaki-Grant said. “In March 2022, my sister and I were both diagnosed with breast cancer. I feel incredibly fortunate that I found my way to Fox Chase, where I have received truly the most amazing care.”
Jason Castellanos, MD, MS, FACS, Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgical Oncology, and Emily Castellanos, MD, MPH, Adjunct Professor in the Department of Hematology/Oncology, will serve as the physician ambassadors for Paws for the Cause 2024. Dr. Jason Castellanos provided a few remarks at the tea.
“I love the sense of community here, and really, everything about Fox Chase,” he said. “Emily and I are excited to again take part in Paws for the Cause with our golden doodle, Bodie. We are also so pleased to be joined by our dear friend, Annie, and her family. Our dogs are great friends as well, and we expect this to be a memorable day for all.”
Paws for the Cause features a one-mile walk around Fox Chase’s picturesque Northeast Philadelphia campus. Food, music, children’s activities, contests and prizes, vendor sales, raffles, and more create an enjoyable, family-friendly day that keeps many returning year after year. The event is organized by the Board of Associates with generous support from title sponsor West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.
“I am truly grateful for the compassion and support I’ve received from everyone at Fox Chase—and for being here to tell you all my story,” said Miyazaki-Grant, who also serves on Fox Chase’s Patient and Family Advisory Council. “I recognize not everyone has this outcome nor this support and how important it is for me to be part of efforts to give back and advocate for others in all the ways that I can.”
Since its first year, Paws for the Cause has raised more than $950,000 to support postdoctoral fellowships, cancer research programs, and patient care at Fox Chase.
The 2024 dog walk will also welcome Lori Giampaolo as its returning event chair and captain of Team Giampaolo, one of the event’s top fundraising teams.
Registration for Paws for the Cause 2024 is available by going to foxchase.org/giving/paws-cause.