Greenville Business Magazine 2009 December issue : Page 25
FRIEND BY BRANDY WOODS SNOW PHOTOGRAPHY BY ASHLEY RUFF - IMAGE TO IMPACT E MAN’S BEST Humans and Dogs Beating Cancer One Step at a Time ven the cold drizzle of an early fall morning couldn’t dampen Greenville’s spirits this year as more than 400 dogs and their owners gathered at County Square and Falls Park to participate in the second annual “Paws For A Cause” one-mile charity walk benefitting the American Cancer Society (ACS). The only non-competitive dog walk of its kind in the Upstate, the event was conceived by Upstate Veterinary Specialists (UVS) and jointly-hosted by both UVS and the ACS, seeking to raise awareness and funding in the fight against cancer. ACS statistics clearly illustrate the critical need for cancer research: As the second leading cause of death in the U.S., more than 1.4 million Americans this year are expected to be diagnosed with cancer, and more than 20,000 of those will reside in S.C. Research and developments toward a cure are more important than ever, and the results are beginning to show. Today, the five-year survival rate for cancer is 66 percent, up from 50 percent in the late 1970’s. On September 26, the Paws event raised more than $30,000 to further these ACS efforts in research, education, advocacy and recovery programs.
Man's Best Friend
Brandy Woods Snow
Even the cold drizzle of an early fall morning couldn’t dampen Greenville’s spirits this year as more than 400 dogs and their owners gathered at County Square and Falls Park to participate in the second annual “Paws For A Cause” one-mile charity walk benefitting the American Cancer Society (ACS). The only non-competitive dog walk of its kind in the Upstate, the event was conceived by Upstate Veterinary Specialists (UVS) and jointly-hosted by both UVS and the ACS, seeking to raise awareness and funding in the fight against cancer.
ACS statistics clearly illustrate the critical need for cancer research: As the second leading cause of death in the U.S., more than 1.4 million Americans this year are expected to be diagnosed with cancer, and more than 20,000 of those will reside in S.C. Research and developments toward a cure are more important than ever, and the results are beginning to show. Today, the five-year survival rate for cancer is 66 percent, up from 50 percent in the late 1970’s. On September 26, the Paws event raised more than $30,000 to further these ACS efforts in research, education, advocacy and recovery programs.
“Paws For A Cause was contrived as a means to increasing awareness of preventive measures and the importance of early detection in a successful campaign against cancer. Likewise, it is our hope for this awareness to translate into a greater attention towards pet health with owners watching for health and behavioral changes that may indicate cancer or other serious ailments,” says Dr. Dermot Jevens, Diplomate ACVS.
Protecting and preserving the bond between man and his best friend is the mantra of Upstate Veterinary Specialists. A premier provider of advanced veterinarian surgical, medical and oncological care, UVS offers a unique healing experience for pets and their owners via state-of-the-art technology in a serene environment. They offer a unique concept in comprehensive cancer management for dogs and cats statewide, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Working together with experts at N.C. State University, UVS transmits detailed CT scan data electronically to the University where they collaborate via video conference to create a comprehensive 3-D treatment plan. The hospital recently enlarged to include South Carolina’s first linear accelerator for the most advanced treatment.
UVS’ dedication to healthy and happy pets and their commitment to making a difference in Greenville are reflected in the “Paws For A Cause” initiative that unites the community in the fight against cancer. The event also offered family-oriented entertainment, obedience training and demonstrations goodie bags, and contests. With significant turnouts both years, the third annual Paws event has already been scheduled for October 2, 2010.
“We are ecstatic about the positive response to the Paws event as well as the significant funding raised,” says Debbie Smith, Income Manager at ACS. “The educational community outreach and monies generated to advance our programs and services will prove an integral part in the ACS’ pledge to save lives by helping citizens to stay well, get well, find cures and fight back. Our organization is lucky to have UVS’ continued partnership in getting the word out that no one is immune to cancer and understanding and mitigating the risk factors is half the battle in ultimately finding a cure and eradicating this disease.” GBM
For more informationon Paws For A Cause, contact Debbie Smith at the American Cancer Society at (864) 627-1903.
Do you know the warning signs?
Use these preventative measures to ensure your pet is as healthy as possible. Early
detection is crucial in the fight against cancer!
•Run your hands along your pet’s body, from head to tail, on a regular basis to detect any lumps or abnormalities
•Feed your pet a well-balanced diet
•Let your pet get plenty of exercise
•Schedule routine physicals with your family vet
•Be mindful of sudden appetite or behavioral changes
High-Tech Treatment: The Linear Accelerator (LINAC)
Upstate Veterinary Specialists (UVS) has the first and only linear accelerator in South Carolina for pet radiation therapy. The state-of-the-art LINAC administers treatment via a high-energy beam configured precisely to the tumor while minimizing the adverse affects to surrounding healthy tissues. When radiation is decided upon, positioning of the pet for treatment by the LINAC is precisely measured and determined via a variety of CAT scans, radiographs and digital photography, which are then formed into a three-dimensional plan. The LINAC also features a custom blocking system integrated into the technology that can be adjusted to precisely outline the tumor’s circumference allowing for a more concentrated beam aimed at the cancer with less invasion into surrounding healthy cells. Treatment sessions last approximately 30 seconds and are given in intervals for a determined timeframe established in the treatment plan.
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