Meet Your Neighbor: Sally Williams

FEATURED PHOTO: Sally Williams with her beloved cat Brodie, who passed away from cancer on September 29, 2016. The Brodie Fund is his legacy. CREDIT: Victor Bubadias Photography

Sally Williams resides in Rumson with her husband Scott and their four felines – Jonesey, Marlin, Finnegan and Henry. Sally started The Brodie Fund, a non-profit organization, in 2016 as a legacy to her beloved cat Brodie who passed away from cancer. She is a Cat Behavior Consultant; a member of The Pet Professional Guild; the IAABC; a longtime volunteer of the Monmouth County SPCA; as well as a certified Animal Reiki Practitioner and member of the Shelter Animal Reiki Association.

Why did you begin working with cats?

About eight years ago, I was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome with M.E., which caused me to take a break from my 25-year retail career. An amazing doctor suggested I start volunteering, as the schedule would be less demanding and I could choose something I loved. I was a lifelong animal lover and cat sitter so I started volunteering at the Monmouth County SPCA as a cat socializer and adoption counselor. Working with the cats, I began to see how many were surrendered due to behavioral issues that I believed could be addressed. My research and studying began almost immediately and eventually I launched The Contented Cat and began helping cats and their guardians in the tri-state area. The Reiki training started around the same time and is a perfect companion piece for the behavior consulting. I currently spend what little free time I have volunteering at Catsbury Park in Asbury Park.

What is The Brodie Fund?

The Brodie Fund was named after our cat Brodie, who was adopted at the Monmouth County SPCA (like my current foursome) in 2003. He was a gorgeous tabby with some Oriental Shorthair somewhere in his genes. He was about six-months-old and full of personality. He fit perfectly into our family and after a couple years with us met his lifelong best friend, Jonesey. They were inseparable until the very last day. In July 2015, Brodie was diagnosed with cancer of the nasal passages. We got the proper diagnosis and formed a treatment plan which consisted of expensive testing and supportive care. With a heavy heart, we had to say goodbye to Brodie on September 29, 2016. The Brodie Fund was created to offer financial assistance, through grants, to qualifying families who have pets fighting cancer. Working with participating hospitals and doctors, The Brodie Fund will be able to help pay for life extending and lifesaving procedures. Our Brodie had multiple procedures, radiation, medications and special prescription food. We also pursued acupuncture and homeopathy for better quality of life. We have been incredibly fortunate with the care and support we have received and want to pay it forward.

Is The Brodie Fund a new concept in the care for pets fighting cancer?

There are other non-profits across the United States that provide financial assistance, but few that give to both cats and dogs and fewer that also give to senior pets. (We have actually co-funded grants with a few. Collaboration can be key in a more expensive treatment plan.) We put the focus on quality of life, so if a senior pet is healthy and will do well during treatment then we approve the grant. We love our senior pets! We call it giving the gift of time.

Is there a special moment during the process of helping a family and their pet that is most rewarding for you?

There are so many moments for me. The first is the phone call or email to the pet owner to tell them that they will be getting assistance. The moment they know they are getting the help they need for their beloved pet is such a relief. We have shared many happy tears. It’s also incredibly special to get to meet the recipients and their dogs and cats. I have been fortunate enough to meet 12 of the 20. Most in New Jersey, but one fabulous cat Moby at Animal Medical Center in Manhattan and Dana the Boston Terrier at Veterinary Cancer Center in Connecticut. I have also been to vet visits for support, talked on the phone to get regular updates and am just an ear in time of need. All of us at The Brodie Fund want to do more than just provide the financial help, we want to be a source of support and hope in what can be a difficult time. The Brodie Fund knows that they are not just pets, but they are family.

How can families or individuals become a part of Team Brodie?

We love our volunteers! If you want to join our team, visit thebrodiefund.org and send us an email. We also love when people share our social media and help promote events or fundraisers. Donating is also critical so we can continue our mission and expand to more hospitals to help more families in need. Each of these is equally important and all of them get you on our team. There is a Facebook page called Team Brodie that was started before the fund. Animal lovers can go there to give or receive support for a pet with cancer. I started it as a way to share Brodie’s journey in hopes of meeting others like me and sharing our stories. We share pictures, ask for prayers and offer comfort. We also offer free grief counseling for those in need.

How many grants have been given by The Brodie Fund?

The Brodie Fund proudly just celebrated two years and 20 grants! Interestingly, we just gave a grant to a fabulous woman and her cat in the Netherlands. We just started something called “Brodie Goes Abroad” and plan on this being an annual grant. We were thrilled to help Simon and are always looking for different ways to help. We have partnerships with both BarkBox and MeowBox and send one to every grant recipient. It’s all about giving hope and this
always makes the owners smile and the pets just love the new toys and treats!

What do families do in order to qualify for a grant from The Brodie Fund?

We have an online application process they need to follow. Just go directly to our website at thebrodiefund.org and fill out a contact form. I respond to every email personally. Families must use one of our participating veterinarians. The veterinarians fill out the bulk of the paperwork and we ask the pet owner to provide the requested financial documents. The entire board reviews carefully and we work very hard to move quickly, as time can be a factor. There is also an additional resource page for those pet owners who may not have access to hospitals in our network. You can also make a donation in memory of a pet and have their picture on our honor wall or become a BFF.

How can our readers contact you?

Write to us at The Brodie Fund, P.O. Box 13, Rumson, New Jersey 07760 or email us at brodiefund@gmail.com.