The Athena Fund
The Athena Fund helps New Mexico pet owners with veterinary costs, supporting seniors’ pets and cancer care through community donations. Donate today!
The Mission of the Athena Fund
The Mission of the Athena Fund is to assist with the cost of veterinary care for pet owners in need. The Athena Fund was born out of love, grew through community spirit, and thrives, ensuring any person in need can keep their precious companion by their side, living a life filled with joy and unconditional love.
This Fund is entirely donation-based — we rely on the kind generosity of our community members to move this mission forward. Our animals play an essential role in enriching our lives, and veterinary costs should never prevent a beloved pet from having a longer, richer life with their humans.
To give to the Athena Fund, please visit The Santa Fe Community Foundation.
Thank you for making a difference in the lives of pets and people in need!
The Athena Story
It all began with simple acts of kindness, wagging tails, and warm nudges from wet noses. Our hearts at Veterinary Cancer Care (VCC) were at their fullest when our therapy dogs Dakota, Kai, and Oscar visited local nursing homes. The joy in the seniors’ eyes, the affectionate cuddling, the stories shared — it was clear these animals were more than just companions — they were lifelines. But we saw a growing concern among the seniors. Many worried about their ability to care for a pet of their own, to cover vet bills or what would happen if they became incapacitated.
That’s when the seed of The Athena Fund was planted. Volunteers from VCC joined in, not just with their expertise, but with their hearts. They walked dogs, delivered food, and made sure seniors could get their pets to the vet. The goal was simple: no senior should ever have to give up their companion because of age or finances. VCC even promised to become legal guardians for pets if their owners passed away, ensuring no animal would end up in a shelter. It was all about keeping families together, and still is.
Word spread, and the community rallied. The clinic offered senior discounts, and they helped navigate the daunting process of applying for financial aid. And The Athena Fund wasn’t just about cancer care; it was about all vet care. When funds were tight, VCC teamed up with bestselling author Greg Braden, and their fundraising efforts soared. One memorable night at the New Mexico School for the Deaf, they shared their vision and the response was overwhelming. Donations poured in, showing just how much people cared. The Athena Fund was born out of love, grew through community spirit, and thrives, ensuring any person in need can keep their precious companion by their side, living a life filled with joy and unconditional love.
The current endowment began in 2004, when a Seattle veterinarian diagnosed Kennedy and Gregg Braden’s cat Athena with squamous cell cancer and gave her three months to live. Through sheer serendipity, they discovered VCC, after moving to Santa Fe. Once treated by VCC, Athena was cancer-free and lived in good health for the next 20 years! After her passing, Kennedy and Gregg fulfilled their promise to Athena and today they carry on her memory through The Athena Fund, managed by Santa Fe Community Foundation. Everyone at VCC, along with the entire community of petlovers in Santa Fe, are eternally grateful to Kennedy, Gregg and Athena.
Who Can Apply?
Anyone in New Mexico is free to apply for assistance through the fund. Applications are reviewed by their veterinarian and the Santa Fe Community Foundation. Assistance is given on a first-come-first-serve basis.
For more information, please contact Diane Hamatoto, Grants Manager, at dhamamoto@santafecf.org.