Families and their furry friends are invited to celebrate the lifelong contributions of canine caregivers to cancer patients at the American Cancer Society (ACS) Bark For Life event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 1, at Warwick City Park, 180 Asylum Rd., Warwick.  

The celebration will include doggie games, dress-up contests, music, food, and a noncompetitive one-mile walk. Before the event, participants ask family and friends to support their efforts with monetary donations to help support the American Cancer Society’s mission of saving lives from cancer and eliminating cancer as a major health problem. 

“The Bark For Life event is an opportunity for people to celebrate canine companionship and fight back against cancer with their dogs,” said Caitlin Howle, ACS community manager – Relay For Life. “Every person who has been close to a cancer experience and has a dog in their life is welcome.”

 “In May 2014, I was diagnosed with colon cancer. I had the tumor removed and had to have chemo for six months,” said local cancer survivor Donna Hetu. “During treatment, I started searching ways I could give back. I came across Bark for Life and here I am volunteering for the second year. I love animals, dogs especially, so Bark was the perfect venue for me. I can’t describe the emotions I felt last year when I saw dogs with the humans who love them.”

Funds raised through Bark For Life help the American Cancer Society save lives by funding groundbreaking research, supporting education efforts, and providing free information and critical services for cancer patients.

Last year, more than 20,000 registered canine and caregiver participants at 300 Bark For Life events across the country raised $1.2 million. In Warwick, 28 teams, for an approximate total of 200 participants, raised more than $23,000. The top fundraiser in 2015 was Diamond Hill Animal Clinic with $3,082 raised.

Registration is $20 per dog. To register, or for more information, visit www.relayforlife.org/barkrhodeisland, email barkforliferhodeisland@gmail.com, or call the American Cancer Society Rhode Island office at 243-2638.