In July 2006, Hannah Holland was diagnosed with nasal osteosarcoma of the skull. Little information about her condition was available and what information her owner, Mike Holland, could find was hard to understand. So, Mike teamed up with Ryan Traylor, Tonie Stevens and other like-minded Richmond leaders to create FETCH, a non-profit designed to raise awareness, to educate and provide pet owners greater access to information about pet cancer, senior care and treatment options. With a prognosis of only two months left, Mike set out to do as much as he could to help Hannah fight this disease through various treatment measures. Hannah fought against the odds and lost her battle two years later. Her spirit lives on in the mission of FETCH.
Joanne Silverman is a Richmond native, businesswoman, but most importantly a devoted mother & passionate animal lover. Joanne left her business of 20 years to become Executive Director of FETCH in 2008. A life long animal activist and volunteer, the opportunity with FETCH was a fulfillment of a constant dedication to animals, their health & well- being. She is inspired daily by her daughter Emma, her dogs Asia & Buddy, her cat Ernie and a very fast turtle named Guppy.
Robin joined FETCH as the Director of Corporate & Public Relations in May of 2010. A Richmond native, Robin has 10 years of media, marketing and development experience. She has always had a passion and love for all animals and is so happy to be working at FETCH to help give our pets a better chance for long, healthy lives. Robin and her husband live in the Byrd Park area with their beautiful little girl, May and their two four-legged kids, Josie and Floyd.
I am thrilled to join the Fetch a Cure team! I have a history of nonprofit work with many years focusing on animal welfare. Becoming a stay at home mom in August of 2005 took me out of the office environment but gave me time and opportunity to have an active role in my community. I served on the board of my civic association for several years, I also helped to organize, build and then managed a community garden. Fetch a Cure's mission is near and dear to my heart. I am a cancer survivor and know all too well the impact that it has on everyone's lives. Our pets are no exception. Education, screening and treatment options make families stronger! I am lucky to share my life with a fantastic husband, two hilarious kids and a big mutt named JoJo, who keeps us all in line.
_thumb.JPG "Wendy Fewster")
A recent transplant to Richmond, Wendy recently completed a 22-year career in the Navy, where she worked in business, logistics and services. A graduate of the University of Virginia, with an MBA from Michigan State University, she is excited about working with the handlers and dogs in the Pen Pals program. In her free time, she enjoys running, traveling and wine tasting, and of course loves spending time with her son, Colby, Labrador retriever, Barley, and six-toed cat, Margaux.
