Benefit for UF veterinary oncology program raises $320,000

A benefit hosted March 11 in Boca Raton by grateful clients of the University of Florida Veterinary Medical Center’s oncology service raised $320,000 to support cancer research and care for both small and large animals affected by the disease.

Lisa and Harry Posin, whose 4-year-old Maltese, Olive, was successfully treated at UF in 2007 for kidney cancer, organized the event. Recently the Posins, who live in Boca Raton, created a program known as “Olive’s Way” dedicated to raising funds for UF’s veterinary cancer programs. All “Olive’s Way” contributions go directly to the college, earmarked to the oncology service.

“Funds we raise will be used both to support the UF oncology service’s ongoing efforts and to expand the research that this world-class team performs,” Harry Posin said. “We fully believe that due to the severity of Olive’s illness and the complex nature of the surgery, had it not been for the skilled oncology team at UF, we would likely have lost Olive on the operating table.”

Olive underwent a complicated surgical procedure that involved the removal of one kidney and a portion of her adrenal gland. She subsequently has undergone eight chemotherapy treatments and has regained her strength and normal body functions.

“The level of postoperative support to Olive, and to us, was beyond compare to any that we have seen, whether animal or human,” Posin added. “The sincerity to which the entire oncology team cares for the patient is remarkable as well as their ongoing support and consultation with our local oncologist.”

Anyone wishing to contribute to the “Olive’s Way” Fund established in the UF College of Veterinary Medicine for cancer research may do so by contacting the college’s development office at 352-392-2213, ext. 5200 or by e-mailing Zoë Seale, senior director of development and alumni affairs, at sealez@vetmed.ufl.edu.