What began as an opportunity to volunteer with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation two decades ago evolved into a lifelong mission for part-time Key Largo resident Grace C. Lopez.
“This organization was extra special for me because I learned so much about the patients, the women that went through the treatment,” said Lopez, who eventually served as the first Hispanic board president for the Miami/Fort Lauderdale Susan G. Komen affiliate from 2011 through 2014. During that time, Lopez identified an unfulfilled need for breast cancer patients.
“They had pets, they had dogs, they had cats, they had all kinds of animals and during the treatment they had to either give them up, give them to friends to take care of temporarily or take them to shelters,” Lopez said. “Not only was it a financial situation, it was also psychological; there was a void there when they didn’t have their animals.”
Lopez set out to fill that void and provide financial help for people struggling to care for their pets during difficult times. Fifteen years ago she started the nonprofit Women for Paws. The foundation helps with everything from purchasing pet food, to paying for unexpected vet bills and providing temporary boarding.
“It just so happened that one of our members, who was living with metastatic breast cancer and two young children, one of her dogs, Chuley, got sick,” recalled Rosemary Carrera, founder of 305 Pink Pack. The South Florida nonprofit that helps breast cancer patients referred the woman to Women for Paws and it gladly paid the unexpected expenses for Chuley, a one-eyed rescue Chihuahua.
Lopez says Women for Paws was able to cover $500 of Chuley’s vet bills. Lopez shared an email received by Chuley’s grateful owner.
“Oh my gosh Grace, I am in tears and you have no idea how much this means to me and my family. I will not forget the help and once I’m back on my feet I will come back to make a donation to your organization,” wrote Geniat Erice. “God Bless you all!”
Sadly, Erice did not survive metastatic breast cancer. She succumbed to the disease two years ago. Lopez feels fortunate she was able to play a small part in making a terrible situation a little more bearable.
Lopez estimates that over the last 15 years, her foundation has helped 200 pet owners. And it’s not just cancer patients receiving assistance. Over the years, Women for Paws has expanded its mission to support any pet owner in need of help.
“Thank you for Grace; she was a lifesaver, because our pets are like children,” said Lisa Bergstrom. She is disabled and had limited financial means when her cat Luna became ill. She was referred to Women for Paws and was blown away by the nonprofit’s compassion and generosity. “She even came with me to one of the appointments,” recalled Bergstrom, who said Women for Paws paid for all of Luna’s vet bills.
“While my organization is called Women for Paws, I want to make it very clear that it’s not just to help pet owners who are women. It’s anyone who has a pet,” said Lopez.
Lopez uses a community-based approach to fundraising. She’s hosted events at her home, like a recent sip-and-paint, with proceeds benefiting Women for Paws. There have been community garage sales, lemonade stands, Halloween dog parades and “pawties” and she’s hoping to put together a benefit pickleball tournament. She even bought the website domain, Pickleball for Paws. Lopez says she receives many referrals for help from MarrVelous Pet Rescues.
Lopez’s background is in managing law firms, but she now devotes most of her time and effort to Women for Paws.
Her past has inspired her to help others. Lopez came to the United States from Cuba when she was 5 and was raised by a single mother who worked two jobs to support her. Lopez did not have a big family growing up; her dog was her best friend.
“I always had a dog companion, that was my safety blanket,” said Lopez.
That upbringing and love of animals motivated her to give back to the community.
“I’ve been fundraising for others my entire life and I’m so proud of it,” said Lopez. “I just love giving back and that’s why it’s so important to me to save a pet’s life for someone else that needs it so desperately.”
More information is at womenforpaws.org.
