DENVER/Feb. 27, 2024 – Kathy and June Hennegan, drawing inspiration from their parents’ dedication to veterinary medicine and animal care, are now continuing their family's longtime support for Morris Animal Foundation, contributing to groundbreaking research to combat canine cancer.
Jim and Marilyn Hennegan's story began at Hanover College; they met when Jim was a senior and Marilyn was a freshman. After they married, Jim was accepted to The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, where Jim worked as a chemist, and Marilyn stayed home to raise their two girls.
After Jim's graduation in 1961, the couple embarked on a lifelong journey of animal care, culminating in the opening of Jim’s veterinary practice, Briarwood Animal Clinic in Indianapolis, Indiana, in 1965, next door to the family home. This practice became the foundation for their daughters, Kathy and June, who, from an early age, were involved in the care of animals under their parents' guidance.
Marilyn's pivotal role as a bookkeeper in the clinic underscored the family's collective commitment to animal health, shaping Kathy's future path in veterinary medicine and both sisters in animal welfare.
“Our parents had very big hearts for cats, dogs and an occasional monkey,” June said.
Jim's support for Morris Animal Foundation, recognizing its critical role in funding essential animal health research, inspired Kathy and June to make a donation toward a pioneering study at Purdue University. This research aims to revolutionize the early detection and treatment of hemangiosarcoma, a common and deadly canine cancer, potentially saving countless lives.
“We’re fortunate that not only did our parents instill in us the values of animals, but they also left us financially able to donate to make sure animal studies and the welfare of animals are at the top of what we want to give back to society,” Kathy said.
About Morris Animal Foundation
Morris Animal Foundation’s mission is to bridge science and resources to advance the health of animals. Founded in 1948 and headquartered in Denver, it is one of the largest nonprofit animal health research organizations in the world, funding nearly $160 million in more than 3,000 critical animal health studies to date across a broad range of species. Learn more at morrisanimalfoundation.org.
Media Contact: Annie Mehl
