The Athena Fund: Financial Assistance for Pet Owners in Need
The Athena Fund at Santa Fe Community
Foundation assists individuals of low income with veterinarian
expenses related to cancer care for their companion animal. The
fund assists with costs including chemotherapy, diagnosis, pain
management, radiation treatment, and other cancer-related
supportive care. Routine and wellness visits are not covered by
this fund. Grants are capped at $1,000 per lifetime of the
companion animal.
our mission
The mission of the Athena Fund is to provide financial assistance for veterinary care to New Mexico pet owners needing cancer care for their companion animal. The Athena Fund was born out of love, grew through community spirit, and thrives today to provide financial support for cancer care whenever resources allow.
This Fund is entirely donation-based. We rely on the kind generosity of our community members to move this mission forward.
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. 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 to support cancer care whenever resources allow.
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. After moving to Santa Fe, they found Veterinary Cancer Care. Once treated by VCC, Athena was cancer-free and lived in good health for the next 20 years! Everyone at VCC, along with the entire community of pet lovers in Santa Fe, is eternally grateful to Kennedy, Gregg and Athena.
Who can apply?
