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Community Corner

Cancer Bites Canine Fundraiser Hosts Howls, High Hats, and HOPE Costume Party

Support the fundraiser by attending the costume party and help local families with the costs that come with canine cancer diagnosis.

The Cancer Bites Canine Cancer Fund has an upcoming fundraising event called, Howls, High Hats, and HOPE on October 26. The event is a costume ball to help raise funds for the treatment of dogs with cancer.

“This is a nonprofit organization and our whole goal is to raise money for local families who can’t afford the expenses associated with canine cancer,” said Event marketing coordinator Christine Varcoe. The organization provides wellness treatments, funding for the application for diagnostic tests, vet appointments, and food.

This fund was founded by Katherine Manola, owner of Go Dog Go in downtown Oswego.

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“It has been proven that a lot of the cancer that dogs have now are caused by either bad diet or over immunization which means that they’re vaccinated too much each year. And a lot of the chemical preservatives in a lot of dog foods has proven to be cancer causing. So our goal at Go Dog Go is to carry good quality food and treats so that we can help prevent cancer, liver disease, kidney disease, and all of that,” Manola said.

Manola and Varcoe have been attending different events ranging from Puppy Mill walks to pet shows to helping out at the VCA hospital to educate people on canine cancer and promote their costume soiree.

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“It’s really going raise the money we need to start helping the families,” said
Varcoe of the event. “It’s going be about joy that night.”

Varcoe said the organization does not encourage any type of treatment,; it is just here to help with the cost.

“Unfortunately it’s becoming a real common diagnosis. Last week I did an event and couldn’t believe how many people I met who lost their dog to cancer, or the dog was currently fighting cancer, or the dog was a cancer survivor. So it’s more common than people think. Our goal is to prevent it, educate people, and try to help families with the overwhelming expenses so they just don’t make a decision based on money,” Varcoe said.

The event will be held at the Gaslite Manor in Aurora on Oct 26 starting at 5 p.m.  The cost to attend is $65 per adult and $30 per child. All proceeds will go towards the canine cancer fund.

Those interested in making a donation or being a business sponsor can visit the event page here for more information.

Guests can expect silent auctions, raffles, sit down dinner, and entertainment.

The Cancer Bites Canine Fundraiser is a recognized charity in Illinois and is currently working on being a national recognized charity as well.  

For more information on the event and other events go to http://cancerbitescaninecancerfund.simpletix.com.

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