South Florida Celebrates Survivors, Memorializes Dogs That Have Died

Join Morris Animal Foundation for the 1st Annual K9 Cancer Walk on December 5 in Coconut Creek

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Sep 15, 2010, 04:40 ET

DENVER, Sept. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Cathy Curry and Jennifer Bellis, both of southern Florida, know a bit too much about cancer. In 2008, they lost their canine best friends, Casey and Dillon, to cancer. Both Curry and Bellis knew that something needed to be done to fight this terrible disease. That is why they have joined forces in support of Morris Animal Foundation's 1st annual K9 Cancer Walk at Tradewinds Park in Coconut Creek, Fla., on Dec. 5.

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"Our goal for the K9 Cancer Walk is to raise awareness and support for Morris Animal Foundation's Canine Cancer Campaign," said Bellis. "Thanks to organizations like Morris Animal Foundation, the scientific community has made strides in treating this disease."

Unfortunately, thousands of dog owners across the country share Curry's and Bellis' experience every year. An estimated 50 percent of all dogs will battle cancer. It is the No. 1 cause of death in dogs over the age of 2 years. Morris Animal Foundation launched the K9 Cancer Walk program as a way to raise funds for its Canine Cancer Campaign, which funds prevention and treatment research to help dogs enjoy longer, healthier, cancer-free lives. Participating in this walk is a great way to memorialize a beloved dog lost to cancer or create a brighter future for a current canine companion.

Money raised by the K9 Cancer Walk will be used to fund studies and train researchers at established locations around the world.

Early registration, at www.K9CancerWalk.org, is $30 for adults, $15 for children aged 10 to 17 and free for children younger than 10 and ends Nov. 21. Walk-day registration is $35 and begins at 9:30 a.m. The event includes a dog-friendly walk starting at 10:30 a.m. Participants can also visit with vendors and listen to experts discuss cancer prevention, wellness, cancer research and treatment and how to advocate for their dog's health.

All canine cancer research supporters who are not able to attend the walk in Coconut Creek are encouraged to participate in Morris Animal Foundation's Sit & Stay program, which gives dog lovers the opportunity to virtually participate in the walk—and help dogs enjoy longer, healthier lives from the comfort of their couch.

This year's goal is to raise $15,000 for research that will help prevent, treat and, ultimately, cure cancer in dogs. To participate in the K9 Cancer Walk, visit www.K9CancerWalk.org. Eukanuba is this year's national "best friend" sponsor. Sponsorship and vendor opportunities are now available.

Interviews are available upon request.

About Morris Animal Foundation