Posted: August 27, 2009 3:00 a.m. EDT
Fund’s goal is to provide early treatment for pets with cancer. |
A New York City benefactor recently made a six-figure donation to create the Zeus Varis Fund with
Frankie’s Friends Charitable Pet Foundation to help local oncology pet patients.
Agnes Varis, Ph.D., a client of NYC Veterinary Specialists, named the fund after her cat, Zeus, who recently lost his battle with lymphoma.
The fund’s goal is to “give [pets] the treatment they need as soon as possible, so they may remain at home, comfortable and with a good quality of life for as long as possible,” said Bonita Voiland, executive director of the foundation, the charitable arm of BluePearl Veterinary Partners, parent company of NYC Veterinary Specialists.
Dr. Varis is the founder of Agvar Chemicals and Aegis Pharmaceuticals. She is also the co-founder of Marsam Pharmaceuticals.
To qualify for financial support, pet owners must be referred by a veterinarian to NYC Veterinary Specialists and demonstrate a significant financial need. They may not apply for assistance directly. Pet owners may ask their referring veterinarian to call Drs. Tim Rocha or Karen Oberthaler at 212-767-0099 to discuss potential cases.
Voiland said the foundation welcomes donations, which will help keep the fund assisting as many pets as possible. Donations are tax deductible and will be accepted at NYC Veterinary Specialists locations or at the foundation’s website.