SFVMA News — Fall 2018

Fall Meeting Sponsor

IN MEMORIAM OF

Dr. Christina LaCerda

For those who may not know, Dr. Christina LaCerda passed away early in the morning of Saturday August 18, surrounded by her family. Christina has been a part of the SF SPCA family since 2006. She has cared for animals and people within the shelter, both hospitals and through prevention programs. Because she was so respected and trusted by staff across the organization, she was selected to facilitate BLISS training and to participate in our Hospital Improvement Team. She was genuinely adored by her clients and co-workers. In February 2017, Christina began her medical leave and many staff members pitched in to support their colleague and friend. Hundreds of hours of PTO were donated, dozens of meals were delivered and countless visits were made to check in with Christina and her husband, Scott, and their daughter, Wallis.

Christina was born and raised in Ohio, and attended Oberlin College where she received her BA in Science. She graduated from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1996. After a brief stay in the Pacific Northwest, she settled in the Bay Area and joined the SF SPCA team.

Christina was down-to-earth and had a witty sense of humor. She had an un-erring knowledge of what was right and saw the positive attributes in all people. Some might say it was her Mid-Western sensibility, but mainly she had an inherent respect for others and a commitment to her beliefs. She was a compassionate and outstanding veterinarian and human, and she really adored animals. One of the first things she did after finding out she was ill, was to adopt two pygmy goats, a species she had recently fallen in love with. They joined her dog, Tuesday, as part of the family. Most important of all, Christina loved her husband and daughter.

Thank you to the many team members who supported Christina and her family during the difficult time of her illness by donating hundreds of hours of sick time, dropping off meals, and sending messages of love.