We are thrilled to announce For Pete’s Sake Cancer Respite Foundation as our charity partner for the month of May! That means for the entire month, every cat video you watch here on our site, or direct donation you make via our “donate meow” page, helps us raise money in support of their mission.
For Pete’s Sake Cancer Respite Foundation enables cancer patients and their loved ones to strengthen, deepen and unify their relationship by creating unforgettable respite vacations.
They’ve helped over 5,500 people since 1999 and are currently celebrating 15 years of service!
“After months of treatments, this respite was perfect with so many great memories and moments. I forgot about cancer completely for a whole week and took Orlando by storm. It was the best vacation I ever had and my family feels the same way.” -Eric Bascelli, traveled to Florida with his fiancée and their daughter.
In 1999, cancer took a man named Pete. But it couldn’t take his legacy.
Pete Bossow Jr.
In the midst of his own battle with cancer, inspired by the kindness of his friends and family, Pete resolved to create an organization that would give adult cancer patients, their caregivers and their kids the emotional support and break from cancer they needed. He passed away before he could see his dream come to life. His wife, Marci, left her job as a practicing attorney and dedicated her life to making his vision a reality.
This respite is a reassuring gesture to my daughters, as well as myself, that although life is hard, good times are still ahead!” –Quinna Staten, traveled with her mother and children to the Johnny’s House in Florida.
The vacations provided by For Pete’s Sake are a week long, although they can be shortened to work with a patient’s treatment, health and work schedule. Vacations take place at one of two FPS owned homes in Florida, or at other donated vacation homes along the East Coast and in the Caribbean.
“This trip has been amazing. After a few days our moods have been uplifted from all of the stress and worries…every night after a day at the beach and swimming we have been playing board games, laughing and just enjoying each other’s company. No chatting about how sick I am. This trip has given me energy that I haven’t felt in a long time. I feel so at peace. I am ready to take the next battle with treatment when I get back home.” –Kimberly Cox, traveled with her husband and their children to a donated home at the Jersey shore.
Patients are between 24-55 years old and must be nominated by a member of their oncology team. For Pete’s Sake partners with over 325 nominators at 100 hospitals to form their nominating teams.
For Pete’s Sake aims to give cost-free, care-free respites and thus covers the cost of airfare, car rental, accommodations and gifts a generous cash stipend to ensure families have to spend little to no money of their own while on their break from cancer. Upon return, For Pete’s Sake creates a special photo keepsake and keeps in touch with the patients and caregivers through their ancillary support program.
Check out this video to learn more:
And to see how your time spent on Cats vs Cancer will help For Pete’s Sake and all our other future charity partners, check out this video to see how it all works:
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