Calling all dog lovers! Registration is now open for this year’s Paws for the Cause, presented by Fox Chase Cancer Center’s Board of Associates. Fundraising officially kicked off this March for the well-loved dog walk, set for Sunday, September 20, 2026.
Supporters gathered for a Special Tea in the Fox Chase Cafeteria that included raffle prizes, special refreshments, T-shirt sales, and free gifts to those who signed up early to participate in the 2026 Paws for the Cause, now in its 27th year.
Jenna Meyer, who serves as the Paws for the Cause patient ambassador for 2026, shared her story at the afternoon teatime event. She recounted both the challenges she faced and the support she received after her Hodgkin’s lymphoma diagnosis in 2022 at the age of 28.
“Cancer at any age is scary,” Meyer said. “For me, it came as an incidental finding. I had no symptoms, I was young and single, and suddenly, I had to think about treatment but also about concerns like my future fertility. My parents’ support was vital, and the nurses, doctors, and staff at Fox Chase became like my extended family.”
With cancer incidence rising among younger patients, Fox Chase has dedicated resources to care for this population and their unique needs, having launched the first program specifically for young adult cancer patients in Philadelphia.
Christopher Cann, MD, Assistant Professor in the Department of Hematology/Oncology, who directs the Young Adult Cancer Program, will serve as physician ambassador for this year’s dog walk.
“Paws for the Cause is such a great event that really brings the community together,” he said. “This incredible support is critical to our success at Fox Chase, with funds raised benefitting important programs and services like our Postdoctoral Research Program and the Young Adult Cancer Program.”
Making its return after a successful debut year will be the Pets of Fox Chase Cancer Center Calendar. A digital slideshow captured the attention of many during the Special Tea with this year’s entries from more than 100 Fox Chase employees who answered the call for photos. The calendar will go on sale leading up to the dog walk.
Since its first year, Paws for the Cause has raised $1.2 million for postdoctoral fellowships, cancer research programs, and patient care at Fox Chase with $124,000 raised at last year’s dog walk alone.
“Teambuilding is essential to our success,” noted Barbara O’Donnell, President of the Board of Associates, who led Team O’Donnell to a first-place finish among last year’s fundraisers. “We would love to see everyone from the Fox Chase/Temple Health community at this year’s dog walk. All are welcome, even if you don’t have a dog!”
Paws for the Cause features a one-mile walk around Fox Chase’s picturesque Northeast Philadelphia campus. Food, music, children’s activities, contests and prizes, vendor sales, raffles, and more create an enjoyable, family-friendly day that keeps many returning year after year. The event is organized by the Board of Associates with generous support from title sponsor West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.
The 2026 dog walk will welcome Lori Giampaolo as its returning event chair and captain of Team Giampaolo, one of the event’s top fundraising teams.
Registration for Paws for the Cause 2026 is available by going to the event page.
Volunteers are also invited to join the Paws Planning Committee, which will meet monthly until the September event. The first meeting is set for Wednesday, May 20, 2026. For more details, please contact Anna Honer in External Relations.