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20/ OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2012 THE RIDER


OVC opens state-of-the-art animal cancer centre


Canada’s most comprehensive ani- mal cancer treatment and research centre opened September 20th at the University of Guelph. The Mona Campbell Centre for Animal Cancer offers the most advanced tools for cancer diagnosis, treat- ment and teaching.


apy and oncology wards, a tumour tissue bank for storing biopsies for future investigations, examination, treatment and procedure rooms, and a family visiting area.


Located at the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC), the centre will promote collaborative clinical research that will help all species, including humans. Its name honours the late Mona Campbell, a longtime animal advocate who donated $9.5 million to OVC, half of which has supported the centre. It was U of G’s largest-ever gift and capped Camp- bell’s 20-year philanthropic relationship with the University.


“Naming this facility after Mona is a fitting tribute,” said Elizabeth Stone, OVC dean, who developed a close friendship with Campbell.


“Her passion was animals, and she dedicated much of her life to improving their welfare. This centre will maximize the quality of life for animals living with cancer and provide world-class training for veterinarians and cancer specialists.” The centre emphasizes an interdisci- plinary team approach to treatment, rang- ing from medical, radiation and surgical oncologists, technicians, interns, graduate students and support staff, to a clinical counsellor for clients making difficult decisions for their pets.


longer and healthier lives in general. But as pets age, they also become prone to cancer, Stone said.


“The level of sophistication is similar to what you find in human medicine,” said Kevin Hall, vice-president (research).


Scientists can perform clinical trials that parallel human research and use new cancer ther- apies, which will deepen our understanding of cancer. It means we can help fight and even pre- vent the disease in humans while improving care for our pets.”


Pets with cancer currently account for about one-third of visits to OVC’s companion animal hospital. Like people, animals are living


“The centre will help raise awareness of cancer in animals and improve prospects for patients and clients,” Stone said. “It will also be a magnet for top students and researchers who want to be a part of it.”


Besides Campbell’s gift, the centre is sup- ported by donations from the OVC Pet Trust Fund, which launched a $15 million-campaign to create a comprehensive animal cancer centre. The Pet Trust Fund improves the lives of com- panion animals by raising funds for learning, health care and research at OVC.


For more photos see page 31.


Aidan and Katherine Finn are pictured with the wall plaque awarded to their Nana Kiska Foundation for Canine and Feline Cancer Research. To date the Foundation has raised more than $50,000 which has been donated to the OVC Pet Trust for the building of the new Animal Cancer Centre. Aidan Finn is also the founder of The Rider. Photo by The Rider


Clients have access to investigation- al therapies and clinical trials, and state- of-the-art technology, including a new lin- ear accelerator for radiation therapy that targets cancer cells while minimizing harm to healthy tissues.


The centre also provides chemother-


Saturday October 27, 5 to 9 pm


On Saturday October 27, bring the family to WindReach Farm for some fun and spooky family entertainment. Get out your costumes, grab a flashlight and join volunteers and staff at the Farm’s annual Halloween event…take a hay wagon ride, explore the boardwalk and trails and hide in the corn maze. Meet and hand feed our friendly farm animals; children’s craft area and activities; music and dancing in the Century Barn from 8 pm – 9:30 pm. Activi- ties generously sponsored by Johnson Inc. Entrance $20 per family car. Call ahead and reserve your seat for Batwing


pasta, eyeball cupcakes and witches brew for just $5 per person.


WindReach Farm is a place of inspi- ration and inclusion for people of all abili- ties and offers a range of core programs and special activities on a fully accessible working farm, an opportunity rarely avail- able to people with special needs. A chari- table not for profit organization, the Farm provides day and overnight visits and pro- grams to individuals with mental health, intellectual and physical disabilities; par- ticipation offers independence, self- esteem and transferable skills in a rural setting.


Join us for some seasonal fun this October and take in the Halloween Hap- pening at WindReach Farm on Saturday October 27th! Inquiries 905.655.5827 or www.windreachfarm.org


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