Dear Friends,
“Cancer is personal. For the patient, it’s an invasion of the body and mind, an interruption of life. For the caregivers, it’s a threat on the life of a loved one. For the doctors and nurses, it’s an investment beyond profession, it’s a responsibility to care and heal compassionately. For researchers, it’s the dedication of lifelong work toward goals that will change how medicine is practiced, how lives are saved. For you, it’s a reason...a reason to choose to support VCU Massey Cancer Center . The fight is personal, and we’re in it together.”
I know you can appreciate this quote that appeared in the Massey Cancer Center’s annual report as much as I do. It is an excellent reminder that conquering this dreadful disease is something in which we all have a very personal stake.
Through the six years of The Highlands-Massey Classic, Massey has treated more than 200,000 patients--many of whom are our own friends and family. The dedicated scientists at Massey have made numerous discoveries in the lab, initiated clinical trials bringing new treatments to patients, and contributed significantly to understanding factors contributing to cancer risk and prevention. The funds we have raised together have had a positive impact in all these areas.
Recent notable Massey achievements include:
- Discovery of the role of a gene in two processes that cause melanoma tumors to grow and metastasize.
- Discovery of promising new treatment for prostate cancer, to
be tested in patients this year.
- Discovery of a mechanism in non-small cell lung cancer cellsthat could provide a breakthrough for effective treatments.
With each discovery, more windows to understanding cancer are opened; more doors to better treatments are cracked. Massey has the scientific momentum to play an important role in the national war on cancer.
This year, Dr. Gordon Ginder, Director of Massey Cancer Center, unveiled VISION 2016. This ambitious plan will develop Massey into Virginia’s premier cancer resource center by taking all facets to the next level. This includes building a new state-of-the-art cancer hospital and expanding access to clinical trials throughout Virginia. Achieving this vision is a necessity in order to provide the best cancer care for all Virginians, but it cannot happen without continued growth in philanthropic support. For that reason, The Highlands-Massey Classic remains committed to providing a fun and worthwhile way for our community to come together to foster awareness and raise money for Massey Cancer Center.
I recently reached the critical milestone of being five years cancer free. This celebration renewed my enormous gratitude for the care that Massey provided for me. It also renewed my determination to do everything in my power to ensure that all Virginians can receive the same expertise and caliber of care when faced with a cancer diagnosis. Please join me in another year of successful fundraising. Together we will make sure our loved ones can benefit from innovative research and compassionate care, right here in Central Virginia. I urge you to be as generous as you can, and invite a friend to join you. Remember, every dollar we give could be the dollar that finds a cure.
Yours in good health,
George P. Emerson |
