OUR FOUNDER
Ann Marie Schrage-Glaviano is a lupus patient, single mom living in Naperville, IL. Ann Marie was first introduced to lupus in June of 2000 - when a life threatening flare required her to go on chemotherapy for a long time. Four years later, the story continues on as Ann Marie and her Papillon dog "Medici" found a unique bond when he too was diagnosed with lupus.

Unfortunately, while receiving chemo, her dog Medici's third flare was fatal and he lost his own battle with Lupus in March of 2006. The seriousness of lupus, in any species, made Ann Marie's vision for creating PetsNPatients even more clear. "I am asking for everyone's help to make PetsNPatients™ mission touch pet lovers around the country. Autoimmune mediated and other serious illnesses rob us of the only thing we truly possess, that being, time together. Pets are family, love as family, live as family. None should ever be left behind in any disaster. Disability is not a choice!" exclaims Ann Marie. Having a life long passion for pets combined with her personal experience in a life threatening illness has defined the mission of PetsNPatients into an innovative outreach.

It is her feeling that her dog "Medici" is the true founder of PetsNPatients™ and she's organizing the development of the program as a tribute to him and all the pets that form healing bonds with their owners. "What is valued in care giving at all levels, is the clear sense unconditional love between pet and patient, the humor and laughs between them and above all the healing sense of not being alone in health challenges", pets aren't just animals we keep, in my experience, they are angels in fur coats that help keep us looking forward to being alive and well!"

PETSNPATIENTS PROGRAM PARTNERS ARE encouraged to join us to grow and connect help and financial assistance, in a unified mission in proportion to the needs, because the needs are real.

The law firm of Jenner & Block is thanked and commended for their support in creating this organization. Jenner and Block is a recognized leader in pro bono advocacy that is consistently among the top ten pro bono national law firms in the country. Special Thanks to the Chicago Lawyer's Committee for Civil Right Under Law, Inc- Community Economic Development Law Project. http://www.clccrul.org/projects.html