Events and Programs

Fifth Annual Dog Walk Against Cancer

The Fifth Annual Dog Walk Against Cancer was held in Fall 2008. This event raised money for student fellowships in cancer research at the Center for Comparative Oncology. We raised over $3,000 to donate to this cause. For more information, please contact Dr. John Robertson at drbob@vt.edu or (540) 231-7666.

One of the many reasons why the AWC is committed to the advancement of Cancer research is the story of “Sadie”

“Sadie was a devoted friend and hiking buddy who started vet school with me in 2003. In the 2004 Dog Walk Against Cancer she completed the 'survivor's walk. Sadie died in August of that same year after a nine-month battle with hemangiosarcoma. She was only 5 years old.”

Laura Taylor, VA

Veterinarians Against Cancer Campaign in Full Swing

This year, the Animal Welfare Club has taken on the challenge of raising awareness for the importance of cancer research among veterinarians in this region. We sent over a thousand letters to veterinary practitioners of all specialties in Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina describing some of the incredible advances in cancer research that have been achieved at the Center for Comparative Oncology here at VMRCVM. For the last 2 years, the AWC has raised money through the Dog Walk Against Cancer to fund student fellowships at CeCO. These fellowships allow students to be actively involved in fighting the war on cancer. We believe that veterinarians need to be more involved in promoting veterinary research, for the betterment of both animals and humans. A diagnosis of cancer does not have to be as devastating as it often is. Currently, CeCO is working on a method of cancer therapy that uses Frankincense oil to treat malignant melanoma in horses. This natural substance has been shown to have fairly selective anti-tumor activity, as well as potent anti-inflammatory effects. If you are interested in volunteering to help out with this campaign, or to learn more about the Dog Walk Against Cancer summer fellowships at CeCO, contact Sheryl Coutermarsh-Ott (2011) at slc2003@vt.edu.