Editor’s Note: The following was submitted by the Cornell University Hospital for Animals.

ITHACA, NY – Imagine you are playing outside with your puppy on a warm, sunny afternoon. His favorite ball rolls into the street and he sprints after it, right into oncoming traffic. You immediately rush him to your veterinarian, who tells you that he desperately needs life-saving procedures that could cost you thousands of dollars. You know you can’t afford it, but you can’t bear the thought of euthanasia. What do you do? How will you pay for his treatment?

At Cornell University Hospital for Animals, the answer for many is the Patient Assistance Fund. The PAF benefits members of our community by easing the financial burden for those who cannot otherwise afford the medical care their four-legged family members need. The PAF is available for owners of all of the species seen at the Hospital, from horses to cats to iguanas!

On October 15, 2016 a dedicated group of Cornell veterinary students will be hosting the 7th Annual Pedal for Pets Bike-a-thon, with the tireless collaboration of faculty, staff, and administrators here at the College! Pedal for Pets is a bike ride around Ithaca and Dryden, New York. This year features an 11 mile fun ride, and a 30 and 50 mile course, weaving through the hills and beautiful scenery of Tompkins County.

The ride will begin on Saturday, October 15th at 10AM (day-of registration and check-in will begin at 9AM) in the B Parking Lot in front of Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Registration will be $40, and the first 40 riders will receive a T-shirt! 100% of the proceeds will benefit the Patient Assistance Fund!

We want to give back to the Hospital, and we need YOUR help! Your contribution could be the difference between life and death for a pet in need.

To check out Patient Assistance Fund success stories, visit: http://www.vet.cornell.edu/events/pedal/PAF.cfm

For more information, or to register to ride in the Pedal for Pets Bike-a-thon, please visit: http://www.vet.cornell.edu/events/pedal/

To make a donation to the Patient Assistance Fund without participating in the ride, please visit: https://www.crowdrise.com/7th-annual-pedal-for-pets-bike-a-thon-cornell-cvm/

For updates, please check out our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/PedalforPetsCUCVM