Sugar Rub! Feline Cancer Foundation
Fighting Feline Cancers
Watch a video of Sugar getting a Sugar Rub! from her oncologist, Dr. Stephen Atwater.
Secretary/Founding Board Member
President/Founding Board Member
Raising awareness at the Pledge the Pink Breast Cancer Walk, 2021
How it Began
Our mission began with an ordinary tabby cat named Sugar.
In 2013 Sugar's mom, Jeanette, found a lump under Sugar's right front leg. A few days later she received the terrible news that Sugar had mammary cancer.
Although aware of mammary cancer, Jeanette had no idea how aggressive it is and how little research has been done to find effective treatment.
Sugar underwent a unilateral mastectomy, a lumpectomy and chemotherapy. Despite doing all they could do, Sugar's family had to say goodbye to her just 16 months after diagnosis.
Shortly after Sugar's diagnosis, Jeanette began a joint effort with the University of Pennsylvania to research a cure for feline mammary cancer. That effort resulted in a study that secured further funding for feline mammary cancer research.
In 2024, Jeanette founded the Sugar Rub! Feline Cancer Foundation to broaden the scope to support and fund research for all feline cancer. Our foundation is named in honor and in memory of Sugar, an ordinary tabby cat inspiring us to do extraordinary things.
Our Goals
- Fund Feline Cancer research. You can join us by donating here.
- Raise awareness that cats get cancer.
- Encourage pet parents to check their pets at least once a month by giving them a Sugar Rub! (breast exam) and overall nose to tail check-up.
What is a Sugar Rub?
We're so glad you asked!
The Sugar Rub! is what we call giving your pet a breast exam.
With any cancer, early detection is a critical factor for survival, so examining your pets regularly is very important. In addition to a regular exam by your veterinarian at least once a year, give your pet an overall nose to tail exam and Sugar Rub! once a month. Be on the lookout for any unusual lumps or bumps and get them checked out by your vet right away.
Board of Directors