Canine Cancer Research to Get a Kick-Start

The Kate Koogler Canine Cancer Fund is seeking motorcycle enthusiasts to help raise money for canine cancer research.

Dr. Teresa Koogler, DVM, announced today that the Kate Koogler Canine Cancer Fund, along with the Perseus Foundation, will be holding a fundraiser for canine cancer research. Their fundraiser, a motorcycle ride, will take place September 12 -- 14, 2003, and will take riders and passengers on a scenic tour ending in Smith Mountain Lake, VA. A $50 registration fee affords riders with a host of festivities, including: dinner and a karaoke party, prizes for the riders with the most contributions, and a weekend full of lake fun.

As a veterinarian, I have had to deliver the diagnosis of cancer too many times. Feeling helpless as I relayed details about treatment options and statistics for survival times to my clients. When my husband and I were faced with those same decisions, we too, felt completely hopeless," reflects Dr. Koogler.

Sadly, at age 11, a form of bone cancer took Kate, Dr. Kooglers dog, from her loving owners. Kate enjoyed a very full life. She enjoyed her time 'fishing at the lake, cruising in a trailer behind my husbands motorcycle. Even after the amputation of her front leg, Kate delighted in chasing after airplanes and geese," says Dr. Koogler.

The Kate Koogler Canine Cancer Fund was established to honor the memory of a very special Rottweiler named Kate, Dr. Kooglers once in a lifetime friend and companion. The Kate Koogler Canine Cancer Fund is associated with the Perseus Foundation, a non-profit organization 501(c) 3, whose mission is to educate and promote interest in cancer research, disease and search for a cure in animals. Kates Fund is specifically designated to raise funds for osteosarcoma and chondrosarcoma research in hopes of finding ways to prevent and treat bone cancer in dogs.

For more information on the ride, how to contribute to the fund, or how to be a ride sponsor or participant, visit the funds website at: http://www.katefund.org.

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