Event sponsored by the Gonzmart Family Foundation supports canine cancer research at UF
The 22nd annual “Richard’s Run for Life” 5K event, part of the Gonzmart Family Foundation, was held Nov. 3 in Ybor City, with all proceeds from this year’s race going to support osteosarcoma immunotherapy research at the UF College of Veterinary Medicine.
A longtime friend of the college and UF’s Small Animal Hospital, Gonzmart, president of Florida’s famed Columbia Restaurants and five other unique restaurant brands, donated $100,000, with 100% of event revenue going to UF. He also underwrote all expenses, including T-shirts, to maximize his family’s gift.
The college’s dean, Dr. Dana Zimmel, participated in the race, along with Dr. Rowan Milner, a medical oncology specialist who also serves as director of clinical and translational research at the college, and other UFCVM alumni and friends. Milner, who has helped several Gonzmart family dogs, is working on a vaccine to further advance research in immunotherapy in hopes of improving therapeutic outcomes for osteosarcoma in dogs, as well as children.