Amber’s LympHOMIES

When Carrie Parker’s best friend Amber Berry was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in January of 2013, she knew she had to take action. The two 29-year olds graduated from high school and attended VCU together. “Amber’s diagnosis was devastating.  She is such a bright, sunny and generous person—it seemed so wrong that she was going to have to put her life on hold to fight cancer.”  After the shock had passed, Carrie knew she had to do something to honor Amber’s fight.   

Carrie immediately took inspiration from Amber’s love for running.  Amber completed several half marathons, ran in the Ukrop’s Monument 10k and also participated in the 2012 Massey Challenge in memory of a family friend who had passed away from cancer the year before. After Amber’s diagnosis, her parents and Carrie joined forces to create a Massey Challenge team.  “Amber’s LympHOMIES” came to life. 

They spread the word quickly through social media platforms, engaging family and friends. “Social media makes people feel more connected to the cause,” says Amber. “Looking back, it was a huge tool in the success of the team and I was just amazed at how quickly word traveled.” Soon, even people Amber had never met were donating to her Massey Challenge team.

“Friends and family don’t always know what to do to help during cancer treatment, so the Massey Challenge is a great way to channel that energy,” says Amber. Amber’s LympHOMIES did more than just help to support Amber, the group of family and friends provided an outlet for raising money and awareness. The original fundraising goal of $500 was quickly reached and the team ended up raising more than $1,000 and stayed in the top 10 fundraising teams for a majority of the Challenge fundraising campaign. 

As Amber was undergoing her treatment, she took notice of not only how her family and friends were rallying around her, but also the vast array of other individuals being treated at Massey. “When I began my treatment at Massey, I noticed how this disease affects so many different people,” says Amber. “That’s why my favorite part of the Massey Challenge is connecting with all different types of people and listening to their personal stories about why they participate.”

On race day Amber looks forward to seeing all the support represented by the yellow Massey shirts, survivor and tribute bibs and inspiring posters in the crowd.  And this year, Amber will be among those on the race course.  “When we created the team last year I thought I would be able to walk with everyone. I had no idea  how tough treatment would be on my body,” says Amber. “Since I wasn’t able to participate last year, this year will mean so much more.”