Rabies Ambassadors
The GARC Rabies Ambassadors are inspiring public figures, unwavering in their dedication towards creating global rabies awareness. They are committed to dispelling myths, promoting factual information, and spreading positive messages about the preventability of rabies.
As certified Rabies Educators, GARC’s Rabies Ambassadors educate the public on:
How to prevent rabies: They highlight the fact that rabies is 100% preventable and why timely vaccinations are critical.
Being responsible pet owners: The emphasize the role of responsible pet ownership and the significance of vaccinating pets to safeguard both humans and animals. They also shed light on the unfortunate reality that dogs are often victims of rabies and that all dogs need to be vaccinated to eliminate the disease.
Why communities need to work together: They focus on the importance of, and the need for, community involvement to eliminate rabies for everyone.
How to travel safely: They provide insights on safe travel practices to empower individuals to protect themselves from the risks of rabies.
Meet Our Rabies Ambassadors
Meet our Rabies Ambassadors below. They all share our passion for dogs and rabies elimination. They are dedicated to making a difference in their daily lives by engaging with their online communities and beyond.
Larissa Kolasinksi
Larissa, based in the USA, is not only a sub 3-hour Marathoner but also a Guinness World Record Holder. A passionate advocate for rabies prevention, she draws from her firsthand dog-bite experience (while running in Kuwait). Larissa's enthusiasm extends beyond running as she's also a Charcuterie Board Enthusiast and through her work, Larissa aims to empower individuals with the knowledge and resources they need to prevent rabies.
You can also follow Larissa on LinkedIn.
Sara Benhabbari
Sara, residing in Morocco, is the founder of Moroccan Marathon Runners and dedicates her time to both marketing work and volunteering for dog protection initiatives. With a heart for both humans and animals, Sara is committed to raising awareness about rabies prevention and promoting responsible pet ownership within her community. Her tireless efforts reflect her unwavering dedication to making a positive impact.
Prakriti Varshney
Prakriti, based in India, is a dedicated advocate for animal and dog welfare and is strongly committed to promoting responsible pet ownership and rabies prevention. A vegan, mountaineer, and avid traveler, Prakriti shares her passion for animal welfare and sustainable living with her Instagram followers. Her adventurous spirit and deep love for animals inspire engaging content that educates and empowers communities. As a Rabies Ambassador, Prakriti brings her energy and compassion to the global fight against rabies, encouraging proactive measures and raising awareness about this preventable disease.
Jim Lasseur
Jim, based in the Netherlands, is a trauma psychologist and endurance athlete who became a passionate rabies advocate after losing his father to the disease in 2013. Driven by personal experience, he uses his voice and athletic challenges to raise awareness and funds for rabies prevention. In 2021, he ran the Berlin Marathon as part of the Run 4 Rabies initiative, raising over €13,000 in support of Dierenartsen Zonder Grenzen. As a Rabies Ambassador, Jim combines mental strength, physical endurance, and a deep commitment to saving lives through awareness, education, and action.
You can also follow Jim on LinkedIn and Facebook.