CancerCare’s Pet Assistance and Welfare Program (PAW)

First, let me set the scene…

Whether you know someone who has had cancer or have had it yourself, cancer is a sad reality in many people’s lives. I have personally known (too) many people with cancer – my sister, my parents, my grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles and many friends.

First, I want to share a personal story about my journey with cats and cancer. I will be brief. When my sister had cancer in 2014, it affected so many people: her husband, her children, her friends, her family and her pets. Shortly after starting treatment, she was hospitalized with complications. I took care of her senior cat, Elaine, to allow her to focus on her grueling treatment and subsequent healing process.

Elaine suffered from advanced kidney disease and needed a lot of care. And there was no way I was leaving Elaine – she had been my sister’s constant companion – by her side for 17 years. My sister survived her difficult journey with cancer and I thank God for her every day.

As for Elaine, my sister was lucky. Not everyone has someone to rely on to help their pet while it fights for its life. Often pets are abandoned at shelters – a blow to the person who needs them the most and obviously the pets, who don’t know why they were abandoned.

“It touched so many people: her husband, her children, her friends, her family – and her pets.”

So when I was approached by Trish Goldsmith, CEO of CancerCare about their Pet Assistance and Wellness Program (PAW), I wanted to know more. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Trish to discuss our shared experiences and her groundbreaking program. Interesting to note – Trish is a cancer survivor herself.

Please take a moment to read about this innovative program, including excerpts from my interview with Trish. Why? Because CancerCare’s PAW program is changing lives. And frankly, everyone should know that.

Trish, the CEO of CancerCare, told me so many stories that literally left me choked up and in tears – both happy and sad. One such story was that of a woman named Fumikowhose husband, Andrew, was undergoing cancer treatment. Andrew insisted that they adopt a cat while he was in treatment. Fumiko wasn’t too keen on the idea as the timing wasn’t ideal. Andre insisted. So they adopted their cat, franklin. Fumiko says that Franklin saved her life and when you watch the video you will understand why.

Watch Fumiko and Franklin’s story below…Trust me, you don’t want to miss this.

Unfortunately, it seems that cancer is everywhere. Some of us have had cancer. Many of us have been caregivers to someone with cancer…and even more of us know someone who has had to battle cancer. Let’s make sure anyone who might need a valuable resource like CancerCare’s PAW program knows about it.

What is CancerCare?

CancerCare has been helping people affected by cancer since 1944. Over the past 78 years, “our mission has never changed and that is to provide help and hope to anyone affected by a cancer diagnosis. says Trish.

What is the CancerCare Paw program?

The program was launched in recent years for people with cancer-affected pets to ensure they can keep their pet while undergoing cancer treatment. CancerCare’s Paw program supports people with education, case management, psychosocial support and financial assistance for those who qualify.

Why is the CancerCare Paw program so important?

The short answer is that there is no other national program like this. According to Trish, “I knew there were organizations that offered support for dogs with cancer, but there were no organizations that offered support for people who had cancer themselves and were struggling to maintain their pet. Fortunately, the stars aligned a few years ago and we were able to launch this essential program.

In fact, one-third of CancerCare’s PAW program financial assistance clients have no other human beings at home. And the added benefit is that the program helps keep pets out of shelters.

Where is the CancerCare PAW program available?

CancerCare’s PAW program is available nationwide. Anyone affected by cancer can contact the program for help through the CancerCare Hopeline at 800-813-HOPE (4673).

Fred is Trish Goldsmith’s cat. Fred is a handsome orange tabby cat who helped Trish on her cancer journey. And now she’s CEO of CancerCare.

Thousands of people have been helped by the CancerCare PAW program

In its few years of existence, the PAW program has helped more than 1,400 people affected in one way or another by cancer. “Not only does CancerCare include people affected by each type of cancer, but we work with anyone affected by that diagnosis. The caregiver. The bereaved. A parent’s child…and a child’s parent,” says Trish.

“We are working with everyone who has been affected by this diagnosis. The caregiver. The bereaved. A parent’s child…and a child’s parent”

3 easy ways to help: