5K ‘Fun Run’ to Help Twin Cities’ Pets

MINNEAPOLIS – Frankie’s Friends’ third annual 5k run or walk fundraiser to help Twin Cities’ pets is scheduled to be held August 3 at Lake Harriet.

The fundraiser, Frankie’s Fun Run, is for people and pets and benefits pets whose families otherwise would not be able to afford life-saving emergency or specialty treatment.

"Each year we've been able to provide more help to pets whose families struggle financially," said Marcie Wagner, development director of Frankie's Friends in Minnesota. "Hopefully this year will be no exception and we'll be able to do even more with the continued support from our wonderful community."

The race starts at 9:30 a.m. and individuals can register in advance or the day of the event to participate.

Individuals participating in the race will receive a t-shirt, lunch and a chance to enter and win prizes.

Registration costs $40 and can be made in advance online at http://www.frankiesfriends.com, or in person starting at 8 a.m. the morning of the event. Registered participants need to pick up their t-shirts and race numbers between 8 to 8:45 a.m.

Participants should meet at Beard’s Plaisance Park on the west side of Lake Harriet, located at 4135 West Lake Harriet Parkway in Minneapolis.

About 200 people are expected to participate.

For more information, visit the Frankie’s Friends website at frankiesfriends.com or call the event hotline at 1.888.917.4467.

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Date: July 11, 2013Contact: James P. Judge Media & Public Relations ManagerFrankie’s Friends 813.549.7688, office james.judge@bluepearlvet.com

Truffles' Story of a Freed Spirit

Truffles, an active 1-year-old chocolate lab, never met a stuffed anything she didn’t love…to eat. Unfortunately, this insatiable appetite was almost the metro Atlanta canine’s undoing. When Truffles’ owner noticed she wasn’t playing or eating as usual, a visit to the veterinarian was in order. X-rays revealed something less than appetizing—an intestinal blockage caused by a foreign body, that if not removed could cause a rupture.

Unfortunately, the cost of prior medical issues left Truffles’ owner unable to afford the life-saving surgery the dog needed. Frankie’s Friends came to the rescue, making the procedure possible, unsticking Truffles from her predicament and returning her to her formerly frisky self.

“I’ve removed throw pillows and toys with stuffing,” says the dog’s mom. “And now we’re closer than ever. I thank Frankie’s Friends for this great gift.”

Hunter Thriving During Cancer Treatment

I want to take the time to thank you for listening to Hunter’s story and for helping us at a time when we need it the most. When Hunter was diagnosed with mammary cancer, I was devastated.  The thought of potentially losing my best friend of 12 years truly frightened me. Will Hunter be okay? Is it worth proceeding with treatment? How will I be able to afford this? .

The silver lining in all of this was that her cancer was caught in its early stages; she had a fighting chance.  Hearing about Frankie’s Friends and The Zeus Varis fund, and the amazing work they do for pets and their families, gave me hope. It wouldn’t be easy, but I knew things would get better.

Six weeks have passed since Hunter’s initial diagnosis. She has a ways to go in her chemo treatment but she is thriving! She has a positive prognosis and she’s still spry--not bad for a 12-year-old cat.

Hunter is very special to me. The fact that a part of the financial burden has been lifted means that I can be there for her at a time when she needs me the most.  I cannot thank you enough for your generosity and assistance. Hunter thanks you as well!!

With Warm Regards,

Elena & Hunter

Latious Gets Help

My family and I would like give a big 'thank you' for all the help that we’re getting with our baby girl, Latious. She was so down for a while but she has made a complete turn around now. Thank you.

Skye Given Fighting Chance

When Skye was diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma, I thought there was no hope.  It's always been me, my son who is not well, our 15-year-old turtle, a beagle we rescued last year and of course, our dear Skye. Money will come but does not really stay that long. It's really very hard. Skye, our yellow lab, has been with us since she was 3 months old. She is now 6 years old.  Every time we walk in our area, kids will wait for her just to say hi to her.

When she first went to Blue Pearl Veterinary Partners here in Queens, NY, to see Dr Joshua Lachowicz, he told me about Frankie's Friends. When I got  approved for help, I was so happy... grateful... relieved!  I think I have read that letter a million times, just to make sure I read it right. Prayers really do get answered.  I never thought people like you still exist in this world. Thank you... Thank you... Thank you very much, from the bottom of our hearts.

Thank you, Zeus! Thank you, Frankie!

Please be well ...

Sincerely,

Marie and Skye (and our little family)

Beau Tux and how the Hope Fund Makes a World of Difference

Words cannot express the gratitude I have for Frankie's Friends. My 6 1/2 year old cat, Beau Tux, required emergency surgery at Blue Pearl in Tampa. There was a strong possibility that he might not survive. Thanks for Dr. Michael Reems, Dr. John Gicking, Dr. Miryam Reems and the critical care staff at the hospital, Beau is finally home and on the road to recovery. He required a week's hospital stay, which included surgery, placement of a feeding tube, treatment for shock, a blood transfusion and numerous other treatments. Sitting by and watching your pet struggle to survive is an awful experience. Worrying about the mounting medical costs adds additional pressure and stress to an already very emotional time. Frankie's Friends was there to help. They paid part of the cost of Beau's care. I'd never heard of Frankie's Friends before this, but I am now a huge supporter and will advocate for their cause to all who will listen.

Thank you to all who donate to Frankie's Friends. You make a world of difference to many pets and their owners.

Pam Cabibi

Poco Receives Pacemaker Because of Frankie's Friends

Dear Frankie's Friends, Thank you so much for being an amazing foundation for pets in need.  My little buddy, Poco (12-years-old), developed sick sinus syndrome making it necessary for her to receive a pacemaker.  Sick sinus syndrome affects the electrical impulses in the heart and was causing Poco's heart to slow down so much so that it was literally stopping for 10-second periods.  Every time this happened, Poco would fall over, looking frightened, until her heart would start back up again.  It was scary for her and stressful for me not knowing if one of these episodes would be too much for her.

When I found out Poco needed a pacemaker I had no idea how I was going to pay for such a serious operation.  Then I found out about  Frankie's Friends, who came to Poco's rescue and helped us get the care she desperately needed.  I can't tell you how thankful I am for the kindness of your foundation.  I know how many animals you've helped already and now you've made it possible for me to have my partner in crime around for, hopefully, years to come.  If Poco could talk, I know she'd scream a big "Thank you!" to Frankie's Friends and your Eddie Fund!

Thank you soooooo much!

Kenny and Poco

Poco's care was funded by Frankie's Friends "Eddie Croman Fund" that assists pets with life-threatening heart or kidney conditions.

Barkley '150% Recovered'

Barkley—a sweet pit bull—could be considered a lot of things: an attention hog, a love-bug, and now thanks to Frankie’s Friends, a spectacular success story. At 6 years old, Barkley became gravely ill, constantly thirsty and unable to greet his family at the door (a favorite pastime). After a considerable quest to find the root of his illness, Barkley was diagnosed with a rare but curable disorder: primary hyperparathyroidism. His family, however, had exhausted their resources in their search for a cure and couldn’t afford lifesaving surgery. With heavy hearts, they considered euthanasia rather than let their beloved pet suffer. Frankie’s Friends of Georgia stepped in and helped pay for the life-saving procedure. Barkley now has the chance to live a long and healthy life, and his joyful family has their pet back. Today, he’s “150% recovered,” and to everyone’s delight, again able to “give that loving greeting when we walk through the door.”

Cookie Monster and Family Receive Mother's Day Gift

It’s Mother’s Day and it’s also Cookie Monster’s sixth anniversary as part of our family. It’s been three months since Cookie Monster was diagnosed with lymphoma and I thought her life was over.   Instead, our sweet pug is chasing squirrels, barking at trucks, and enjoying the cool tranquil breeze that blows through her back yard.

Cookie Monster spent her first four years of life being leashed to a table and left to eat rocks for food.  I remember her at age four, arriving at our door by surprise.  I didn’t know what to make of the grumbling thing who came into our yard. But I soon learned.

We enjoyed six great years together when our little Monster began to faint each time she became excited.  After many examinations and tests we learned that the pug’s flat face and tiny nose might have caused a breathing issue.  It was then that a pre-surgical test revealed a radical change in her blood count.  I was devastated to find that my little girl had cancer.

After having the cancerous tumor removed, I was out of funds and desperate. Without chemotherapy, Cookie Monster would perhaps have four months to live.  I contacted every animal rescue organization to which I was a member, hoping for guidance in my time of need.  Dr. Lachowicz of Blue Pearl Veterinary Partners suggested I contact Frankie’s Friends.

In less than two weeks after submitting an application for assistance through the Zeus Varis Fund at Frankie’s Friends, Cookie Monster was accepted to receive assistance.  I don’t know if I cried more when I learned about the Zeus Varis Funds/Frankie’s Friends'  act of kindness or when I learned about Cookie Monster’s diagnosis.  I had never been given anything in my life.

Thank you for giving me hope, thank you for your swift life saving response, thank you for giving me time to accept the inevitable, thank you for showing my young daughter why you shouldn’t give up, thank you for reminding me that strangers can be better friends than friends, thank you for my Mother’s Day gift.  Thank you.

Lynn Wilson & Family

Cookie Monster, the Pug

Crash Saved after Blockage

Our family greatly appreciates everyone's assistance with saving our cat's life. He was completely blocked and needed immediate treatment. Due to financial reasons I was unable to pay. I am a new single mother of 2 little girls and because of related complications I am also recently unemployed. Five years ago I rescued Crash from the street where someone had thrown him out their car window - hence his name "Crash." We needed  Frankie's Friends' help to save him again. We are sincerely grateful. Following this incident we have donated approximately a month's worth of his dry and canned food to the local shelter and have been strictly feeding both our cats the prescription food in order to prevent another blockage.Sincerely, Tara, Jamie Lea, and Alyssa

Tuwa has Lymphoma Treated Thanks to Frankie's Friends

Words could not express my gratitude for the grant that Frankie’s Friends awarded us for the treatment of my best friend’s lymphoma. My best friend is named Tuwa. She is an 8-year-old lab mix I adopted from the ASPCA when she was only 3 months old. Tuwa is more than a dog to me she is my constant companion.  I have not been able to work the last 8 years so we have spent a lot of time together.  Tuwa is my family. I was devastated and heartbroken when her doctor gave me her lymphoma diagnosis and a prognosis of 3 to 4 weeks to live.  I was panic stricken and hit the internet, looking for a miracle cure and the only thing I found to beat back this type of cancer was chemotherapy.  I needed Tuwa to have more time – maybe, even remission. None of that would have been possible without the grant that Frankie’s Friends Fund awarded us. With this grant Tuwa’s life will be prolonged and she has been given the chance she deserves.  We both thank the fund and its members profusely for all the good work they do in helping the most vulnerable of human companions.

Sincerely,

Paula Rossi & Tuwa

Killah Gets Life From Frankie's Friends

I am greatly appreciative for the financial help you gave my family by providing treatment for our 3-month-old pit bull/beagle, Killah Lopez. I am also very thankful for the staff and veterinarians at BluePearl Veterinary Partners for helping us take care of our puppy.

Without them, who knows what would have happened. Our dog is always happy and playing with everyone. He has a great personality and again I want to thank you for the support you gave us.

I am sure our dog Killah is also thankful for the love and support you have given him. We promise to keep in touch with Frankie’s Friends charitable pet foundation.

Your foundation has made a very big difference to those who aren’t capable of the required funds and I’m sure many families have appreciated your foundation as much as we have. Thank you a million times more.

Sincerely,

Vasquez/Lopez family

Bear the Larger-Than-Life Jack Russell Has Life-Saving Surgery

We would like to thank Frankie's Friends foundation for helping save my little girl, Bear. Bear is a 3-year-old Jack Russell terrier. We have had Bear since she was about 6 weeks old. She is the most beautiful, loving girl with the biggest personality. She is like a daughter to us and we can't imagine being without her. Thank you so much for helping pay for her gastrointestinal surgery. She is feeling much better and is getting back to her larger than life personality. We are forever grateful and will never forget your wonderful foundation.

Thank you.

Kevin, Deokumarie, and Bear

Heartfelt Gratitude for Helping Mitzi

Words cannot express the heartfelt gratitude, appreciation, and joy you have given us! Mitzi and I thank you so very much for your assistance and generosity.  Thanking Frankie's Friends, BluePearl and Dr. Lachowicz for his excellent care, encouragement, and compassion as well.

Sincerely, Mitzi and Mommy (Stacey)  xoxo

Dunston Receives Cancer Treatment He Needed

I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kind and generous gift towards treatment for lymphoma for my cat Dunston.  I was heartbroken when I found out his diagnosis, and extremely stressed since the treatment that offered the best prognosis was not within my means. I love Dunston so much; he's family to me, and I wanted to provide him with the best care available.  Without your contribution I wouldn't have been able to consider optimal treatment as an option.

Best Regards,

Michele

Our Beloved Kasha

We are making this gift in memory of our beloved dog and friend Kasha. We want Dr. Eriksson and the entire BluePearl staff to know how much we appreciate their efforts to give her a good quality of life for a good period of time after she was diagnosed with kidney disease. We will always remember that. Thanks,

Lawrence

Frankie's Friends Featured on CBS 5 in Nashville

(Click the image to see the story)

by Shannon Royster

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Melanie Fauchet wants every child to have a fighting chance, so she's opened up her home.

"I have 15 children. Ten of them are adopted majority handicapped from a variety of countries," said Fauchet.

She and her husband are drowning in medical bills. "I mean we have doctor's appointments at least every week," said Fauchet.

But that didn't stop the Fauchet family from spreading their love even further.

"When we heard about Nova needing a home we just decided that would be a nice thing," said Fauchet. "He's a very friendly and nice dog."

What they didn't know is Nova too would soon need medical care.

"He chased a squirrel over a ledge and the squirrel went over and landed fine, but Nova jumped over and didn't land fine," said Fauchet.

The 2-year-old German Sheppard mix broke his leg, and it would cost $3,300 to fix it. Fortunately, financial help she didn't know existed was on the way.

"Once you apply to care credit and your care credit is denied, then we can move into the application process with Frankie's Friends." said Carla Ciuffo of Frankie's Friends.

It's a national non-profit group new to Tennessee that provides grants to qualifying pet owners.

"We can only help people if people help us," said Ciuffo. They rely on public donations to the group's Hope Fund.

Once approved for the grant, the hospital and attending vet also make a contribution.

In this case, all of Fauchet's bill will be taken care of except 500 dollars, something she said she can handle for Nova.

Frankie's Friends does not fund primary care like ear infections, teeth cleaning, vaccinations and preventative care.

Nova is expected to make a full recovery after surgery next week.

If you need help for your pet or if you would like to make a donation click here.

Email: sroyster@newschannel5.com Facebook: Facebook.com/NC5ShannonRoyster Twitter: Twitter.com/NC5_SRoyster

Speakeasy Fundraiser to help Tampa Bay’s Pets

TAMPA, Fla. – Frankie’s Friends’ third annual fundraiser to benefit Tampa Bay area pets is scheduled to be held Oct. 18, at the Centro Asturiano de Tampa. The fundraiser, Frankie’s Friends Unleashed for Hope, benefits pets whose families would otherwise not be able to afford life-saving emergency or specialty treatment.

The event begins at 6:30 p.m., when guests will travel back in time. Those attending the event are encouraged to dress in prohibition-era attire in order to fully experience the speakeasy-style party.

The event will feature music provided by the Vodkanauts band with dancing entertainment provided by Fred Astaire Dance Studio and character entertainment provided by Wiseguys InterACTive Entertainment.

Passwords to gain entrance to the speakeasy will be provided at a cost of $100 per person.

The speakeasy will feature an open bar as well as cocktail food and dessert catered from several Tampa Bay area restaurants.

Complimentary valet will be provided or free parking is available on-site.

For more information, see the Frankie’s Friends website at frankiesfriends.com or call the event hotline at 813.549.6978.

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Date: May 13, 2013 Contact: James P. Judge Media & Public Relations Manager Frankie’s Friends 813.549.7688, office james.judge@bluepearlvet.com

Thanks for more time with Winston

Although Winston lost the battle with his lymphoma, the treatments helped for a while and gave us more time with him before we lost the battle. For that time we had, we will always be grateful for Frankie's Friends' assistance. We weren't aware that there was such a wonderful organization and we plan to tell everyone about Frankie's Friends and encourage support for it.

To all the donors to Frankie's Friends: thank you with all our hearts for helping us with funding to fight our Winston's lymphoma. Your kindness will never be forgotten!

- Larry and Connie

Local Women’s Club Gives $500 to Frankie’s Friends

TAMPA, Fla. – The General Federation of Women’s Clubs Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club has donated $500 to Frankie’s Friends charitable pet foundation. The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club is an organization dedicated to strengthening the community and enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service

“Throughout their existence, women’s clubs associated with the General Federation of Women’s Clubs have made a significant impact on their local communities,” said Bonni Voiland, executive director of Frankie’s Friends. “We greatly appreciate the service of the Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club and are thankful for their generous contribution, which will help save the lives of Tampa Bay area pets.”

Frankie’s Friends is a non-profit corporation dedicated to providing life-saving emergency and specialty veterinary care to pets whose families would otherwise be unable to afford the cost of care.

Anyone interested in donating to Frankie’s Friends is encouraged to visit http://www.frankiesfriends.com

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Date: Apr. 15, 2013 Contact: James P. Judge

Media & Public Relations Manager

BluePearl Veterinary Partners

813.549.7688, office

james.judge@bluepearlvet.com

MEDIA RELEASE