In the second episode of the Connection in Real Life series, we hear again from someone who has deep connections with their dogs – but who doesn’t?! Surprise twist though, this then directs her to a complete shift in daily life. Meet Mari Maeda, founder of Canine Cancer Alliance, who like many of us, only wanted the best care for her dogs, not realizing this love would put her on a path to revealing what I call – a new life purpose. 

Sometimes your life purpose at the moment simply means you’re using your skills for positive impact to those you love. 

We don’t get to pick and choose when we’re going to have a meaningful connection with something, no, in fact if we knew ahead of time we’d probably say, “No Way!” But that’s how life works, and if we’re open to the magic happening behind the scenes then we get to find greater satisfaction and meaning than we ever could have planned for. 

Mari’s connection with her dogs ultimately brought her to the unescapable union of career and animals: medical researcher meets canine cancer. Mari’s inspiring story helps us all think outside the box when we know there is something to be done, but no one is doing it. 

In this episode you’ll hear: 

• ~The value of combining your connections, skills, and passions into one project 
• ~A peek into the world of canine cancer research – and no, it won’t make you cry! 

About Mari: 

After losing her dogs to cancer, Mari started reaching out to cancer researchers to get them interested in helping find cures for dogs. She started a nonprofit foundation, Canine Cancer Alliance, which is supporting research studies to find more effective and affordable cancer treatments. She lives in Bellevue and Shaw Island, Washington with her husband and three rumbunctious golden retrievers, Momo, Mimi and Indy.  

5K Event link:  enddogcancer.org/love 

Organization link: https://www.ccralliance.org/