PuppyUp Madison 1

PuppyUp Madison 2016 has once again, for the third year in a row, set a national record for taking a huge bite out of cancer in our canine and human companions. Over $131,000.00 was raised. Paws of thanks to over 1,100 humans and 700 canines for you unmatched support. Our PuppyUp Madison team cannot thank you enough.

On Sunday, May 1, 2016, over 1100 humans and 700 pups converged upon McKee Farms Park in Fitchburg, WI to celebrate our heroes, honor our survivors, and remember those lives lost to canine and human cancer.

To our 1100 participants, 83 teams, 55 sponsors, and hundreds of donors, we send PAWS of thanks to each of you who helped raise another national record of over $131,000.00 to further comparative oncology.

Congratulations to our top PuppyUp Madison top fundraisers!

Top Individual Fundraisers
1st place Patricia McConnell $3,238.00
2nd place Erin Haroldson $2,695.00
3rd place Lana Chute $2,625.00

Top Team Fundraisers
1st place Pet Pals $8,054.00
2nd place All Pets $5,296.00
3rd place Team Gobi $4,590.00

Spirit of Madison Award
“For Extraordinary Efforts in Helping Others and Strengthening the Human Canine Bond”
Michael Nowacki

Canine Cancer Hero
“Blue” De Christina

Human Cancer Hero
Cass Taylor

Paws of thanks to our entire Puppy Up Madison 2016 Organizing Committee for their countless hours, days, weeks and months of compassion, drive, and determination to help those whose lives have been touched by cancer.

Ann Lippincott, Lana Chute, Melanie Taylor – Co-Chairs
Sam Taylor, Vicki Nussbaum, Mary Ann Francis, Callie Strouf, Jennifer Schleicher, Dr. Linda Sullivan, Dr. Kai Shiu, Beth Viney

When is PuppyUp 2017? Stay tuned!!

 

Michael Nowacki

Michael Nowacki

Spirit of Madison Award to Michael Nowacki
“For Extraordinary Efforts in Helping Others and Strengthening the Human Canine Bond.” A round of a”paws” for this amazing young man. Congratulations Michael!

 

Beth and Bella

Beth and Bella

A Special Message from Beth Viney
Saturday, April 30, 2016

Dear PuppyUp Madison Friends,

On the eve of what is the largest PuppyUp Foundation walk in the entire country, this becomes a very emotional time for our organizing committee, participants, teams, sponsors and vendors.

Over the past months, PuppyUp Madison has helped raise awareness that pups and people are diagnosed with the same types of cancer. And that treatment for them both often run parallel. We can learn from one, to help the other. And that is the study of comparative oncology.

And tomorrow, when hands and paws join forces to walk 2-miles at McKee Farms Park in Fitchburg, it will be to honor those whose lives have been lost to cancer, those who are fighting the battle now, and those who have survived. Both canine and human.

Yesterday, I had the honor of spending time with Bella, a Great Pyrenees recently diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, or Bone Cancer. In canines, bone cancer is the most painful type of cancer to occur, and can be debilitating in a very short period of time. Bella’s cancer appeared in her front leg and a biopsy was performed to confirm the diagnosis and determine options for treatment. Bella is not a candidate for amputation, as she has hip dysplasia and would have difficulty with movement should an amputation occur. Bella is undergoing treatment to try and slow the growth of the bone cancer, as well as help keep her as comfortable and pain free as possible.

I met Bella as a puppy many years ago. She was brought to a rescue after a horrible start in life. And yes, a horrible start as a puppy. I fell in love with her the moment I saw her. Over time, a wonderful family adopted her, and she has had the most magnificent home, love, and life a Great Pyrenees (or any other dog for that matter) could ask for.

And now, Bella’s family faces each day, much like that of the Great Pyrenees breed, with strength, grace and compassion, knowing that Bella’s cancer will never be cured. But her family focus is now on giving Bella every ounce of love, joy, and happiness humanly possible.

Many of you may wonder why I am smiling in this photo, knowing that Bella has the most painful form of cancer known to canines. And it’s because yesterday she was happy, smiling, cuddly, comfortable. We found peace in each touch, every spoken word, or in the case of a Pyr, a bark. And because, a very wise Great Pyrenees once told me, “Every Day is a Gift.” And yesterday, was truly a gift in sharing space, snuggles and even a few kisses, with this most brave, courageous, gentle soul. Bella.

And this is why tomorrow, we will walk 2 miles and continue to raise funds for research and a cure, so companions like Bella and her family, will never have to hear the words “you have cancer.”

Please join us on Sunday, May 1. Honor the heroes, remember those who have passed, celebrate the survivors, and contribute if you can, to help find a cure. For those of you who have registered, donated, volunteered or are sponsoring, the words “thank you” are not enough. Each of you has brought bright light at a time when it is so badly needed, and your support is appreciated beyond words.

“Every Day Is A Gift”

Beth Viney
PuppyUp Madison 2016