Fitness and Fundraising

Why are you passionate about VCU Massey Cancer Center?

A little more than four years ago, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. I did a lot of research before deciding where to seek treatment, and it was clear to me that Massey was my best option. The care I received at Massey was phenomenal from start to finish, and I was certain I was in the best possible hands. My thyroid cancer also sparked a big change in me; it woke me up to the realization that my health was not guaranteed and I needed to take more responsibility. I began eating healthier, running, and eventually lifting weights. Through these changes, I lost 107 pounds and went from a size 20 to a size 2. I also began competing as a power lifter. Running was an important part of my transformation, and one of my first races was the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k. Fundraising for Massey helps me give back for the excellent care I received while also raising awareness about the importance of research.

Why did you begin to support the Massey Challenge?

Fundraising through the Massey Challenge is more than just giving back in thanks for the care I received; it is about doing something positive. Cancer obviously is a negative thing—but every year when I travel to Richmond and run the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k, it is a good day. It is a day to celebrate life and the positive changes that cancer unexpectedly has given me.

What did you learn from your participation last year?

Last year I signed up for the 10k shortly after being diagnosed with my second cancer, chronic myeloid leukemia. I wasn’t feeling well at the time—I wasn’t even sure if I’d be able to run the full distance—and I didn’t feel much better on race day. But for those 6.2 miles, it all went away—I was caught up in the atmosphere and in remembering what an impact the Massey Challenge has on so many people. All of those yellow shirts reminded me how many people were either affected by cancer or decided to also support Massey. For me, that meant all of those people were also supporting me, and I was supporting them through my fundraising. That was the most gratifying part for me.

What is your goal for this year?

My goal each year is to raise more money than I did the year before. Last year I raised roughly four times the amount I raised in 2011, partly by using a half-joking “slogan” when requesting donations: “Twice the cancer, twice the fundraising!” I am hopeful that this year I will exceed $1,000.

What are your plans for the upcoming fundraising year?

Living in Fredericksburg makes it more difficult to get others personally involved in the Massey Challenge. To combat that, I post quite frequently on Facebook during the Challenge and email friends, family, and coworkers with the link to my fundraising page. Last year I worked with the YMCA where I exercise to put donation cans out for a change drive. This year I am planning other fitness related fundraisers.

What is your favorite part of the Massey Challenge?

I love running in the race itself, especially seeing all the other survivors with their purple bibs. Listening to people cheer “survivor” from the sidelines when they see my bib is such a sweet reminder of what I have overcome.

Why is it important to create awareness?

Awareness + donations = research. For my cancer (chronic myeloid leukemia), one drug (Gleevec) was truly a miracle—a complete game-changer. My cancer went from a grim diagnosis to a possibly manageable condition practically overnight. There are so many other drugs and treatments on the horizon—my cure could be out there. It is absolutely conceivable that we could find it in my lifetime. That is why it is so critical to fund research, especially at an NCI-designated center such as Massey.

What is your Massey motivation?

To make something good come of something bad. I don’t know why I got cancer—and I certainly don’t know why I got it twice! But I absolutely believe that it is my responsibility to do some good with it—to advocate, to raise awareness, to help others. Cancer is a terrible thing, but it spawned such positive changes in my life. I never really lived until I got cancer. But I changed my life, and now I have the opportunity to use that to encourage other people. I want cancer patients to see that living a healthy lifestyle absolutely can help their bodies fight cancer and keep them feeling good despite the physically draining treatments. I want them to see that having cancer doesn’t have to interfere with their goals. I like that I can put a different “face” on cancer and hopefully inspire someone who hasn’t donated to Massey before.