vindy.com | Newsmakers

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Newsmakers

Foundation dedicated to Farrah Fawcett

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.

Farrah Fawcett’s closest friends marked the first anniversary of her death by dedicating a cancer-research foundation in her name.

Alana Stewart, Ryan O’Neal, Tatum O’Neal and Redmond O’Neal were among guests at an intimate gathering Friday at the new offices of the Farrah Fawcett Foundation, which funds alternative cancer research and treatment methods and aims to improve the quality of life of those with the disease.

Fawcett, the “Charlie’s Angels” star who detailed her battle with anal cancer in the 2009 documentary “Farrah’s Story,” died at 62 on June 25, 2009.

Stewart said Fawcett started her namesake foundation during her own struggle with cancer, and Stewart was determined to keep her friend’s efforts alive.

“If I can help carry on Farrah’s mission for the foundation, it’s an honor for me,” Stewart said. “I feel almost like she’s a guardian angel watching over me, and I feel like she’s smiling down on us and very happy that she died for a cause.”

“She felt that she could help a lot of people and she could give a lot of people inspiration, courage and hope,” Stewart continued. “That’s why she did the documentary and that’s why she started the foundation.”

Ryan O’Neal said the first anniversary of Fawcett’s death had been an emotional one for his family. Their 25-year-old son, Redmond, who has been dogged by drug problems and was jailed during his mother’s final days, visited Fawcett’s grave for the first time Friday.

The soft-spoken redhead said he is now clean and sober.

Ryan O’Neal said he is still worried about his son, especially since Fawcett is gone: “He lost her, and he’s fragile.”

But, O’Neal said, her mission will continue.

Carey devoted to dogs, spokeswoman says

NEW YORK

A spokeswoman says Mariah Carey’s lawyers haven’t yet seen a New York City lawsuit over pricey veterinary bills for the pop diva’s dogs — but there’s no question Carey is devoted to her pets.

Representative Cindi Berger says the Grammy Award-winning singer is “a huge dog lover, as her fans around the world know.”

Carey has four Jack Russell terriers and often Tweets about their escapades. She featured one of the dogs in comic videos on YouTube.

Veterinarian Cindy Bressler said in a lawsuit filed Wednesday that Carey owes nearly $30,000 for care last year for three of the pooches, Cha-Cha, Dolomite and JJ.

Carey told fans via Twitter that Cha-Cha added a newcomer to the mix this month: a puppy named Jackie Lambchops.