A Different Kind of Legacy

A Different Kind of Legacy_story.jpg

Like many families, cancer has touched the Lyons family personally. It’s the reason why David and his wife, Patricia, began supporting VCU Massey Cancer Center many years ago. Their support has created a spirit of generosity within their family that is just the type of legacy they hoped for their children.

David’s mother battled cancer twice, first a successful treatment for kidney cancer before ultimately losing the battle to breast cancer. While she was going through treatment at a cancer facility in Maryland, David decided to become more involved locally with Massey. For the Lyons family, it was easy to connect the dots between the importance of furthering cancer research and how they should help.

The Lyons family experienced firsthand the importance of having a National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center available. “We saw a clear difference between the NCI-designated cancer center where my mother was treated compared to her original center,” remembers David. That realization sparked David to begin his mission in support of his local NCI-designated cancer center, VCU Massey Cancer Center. His involvement grew, and his leadership and business skills were utilized on Massey’s Advisory Board, where he served as Chair for two years.

Eight years ago, David was also involved with a group of Massey volunteers who made Massey’s case with Sports Backers, the organization that produces the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k, to make Massey an official charitable partner. When Massey was awarded the opportunity, David became the first volunteer chair of the partnership that has become the HDL, Inc. Massey Challenge. David knew immediately the event was more than just another fundraiser. “Everyone on the initial group was excited because we knew the impact could be vast, just from the sheer numbers of runners,” says David. “If you do the simple math, 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime.  When you blend that math with the number of runners who participate in the 10k every year, that’s a lot of people affected by cancer.” 

For the past eight years, the Lyons family has participated in Challenge, raising approximately $33,000 through their participation. Through the years, the participation in the Challenge spurred by David and Patricia’s involvement is now embraced by their three children, ages 12, 14 and 16. “The kids are so inspiring as they raise money and continue the support we started,” says Patricia. “When I was their ages, I wasn’t donating my time and raising money to support cancer research. I think what they are doing is incredible.” 

The examples of their children’s involvement reflect David and Patricia’s ongoing commitment to supporting Massey. Instead of receiving a gift when their eldest son graduated from lower school, he wanted to donate $100 to Massey. Their youngest son received a resounding yes from his friends when he asked them if they wanted to buy gifts for the children in the hospital during the holiday season.

The HDL, Inc. Massey Challenge is a perfect way for the entire Lyons family to rally behind cancer research and as long as Massey is involved in the race, the family will try their hardest to never skip a year. “I remember the first time we participated I was pushing our kids in a stroller,” recalls Patricia. “Just this past year my daughter sprinted off on her own path, it was kind of bittersweet.”

That path is a new fork in the road David and Patricia paved years ago, and they are gratified to witness their children creating their own route to support Massey. “The Massey Challenge is a way to participate in a larger capacity for a lot of people. For me and Patricia, it is more than just fundraising with our children,” says David. “Being able to teach the kids, about how small efforts make a big difference--that is the legacy.”