The Cancer Alliance of Help & Hope (CAHH) recently launched its new program, “Companions 4 Life,” which provides aid to local cancer patients struggling to keep their pets due to surmounting medical bills.
This unique and much-needed program in Palm Beach County aims to keep pets in their homes by providing funds to aid in pet care costs, food, medical upkeep and sudden medical bills for their furry companions.
“Most people are unaware of the financial burdens of a cancer diagnosis until it happens to them or someone they love,” said Stanton Collemer, CEO of CAHH. “This new program helps keep patients and their animals together. The goal is to ensure that fewer animals are needlessly in shelters, help improve health and wellness of the individuals and their pets and provide information to patients to help them be more knowledgeable with realistic means to care for their animals.”
Pets can offer many benefits after receiving a cancer diagnosis, including companionship, improved mood and motivation to stay active. Some hospitals and treatment centers even use animal therapy to help improve patients’ well-being.
And, for pets, staying in their forever home can be the difference between life and death.
“We have long recognized the unending love and support that a family pet can bring into the lives of those with cancer and their loved ones,” Collemer said. “Companions 4 Life is an extension of our commitment to help ease the burden of those in our community receiving cancer treatment and financially in need.”
This program has received positive support from community partners, including Tri-County Animal Rescue and the Darbster Foundation.
To learn more, or to donate to this program, visit www.cahh.org/programs/companions-4-life-fund.
