Linda Wassong

President & Founder @Puccini Foundation

New York, NY, US

Puccini FoundationMission Statement The Puccini Foundation is dedicated to the hope of a future for pets and people… cancer free. We honor the human-animal bond and support programs that benefit pets and the people who love them. Our mission is to make this a reality creating awareness and funding of pet cancer research and comparative oncology programs.The foundation was named for Puccini, my dear cocker spaniel, who was my constant companion for 14 years. Sadly, he lost his fight with cancer, but only after making history as a participant in an amazing clinical trial for a vaccine that extended his life both in quality and quantity. The vaccine has since been USDA-approved, is helping dogs with malignant melanoma, and the findings from the clinical trials have been applied toward studies to create a similar vaccine for humans! It was during our precious, extra time together that I promised Puccini I would create this organization* to support pet cancer research and the growing science of comparative oncology. Millions of cats and dogs are diagnosed every year with the same kinds of cancers found in people: melanoma, lymphoma, bone cancer, breast cancer and more. Studying and finding therapies for cancers in our pets, can lead to treatments and cures for people, as well. Comparative oncology researches and treats cancer that has occurred naturally in pets; there is never any testing on healthy animals.