An Important Challenge

Courtney Skunda, 31, knows the value of the VCU Massey Cancer Center, where she received a diagnosis of skin cancer in 2003. The center provided important information and support to her and her family.

Now Skunda is chairing and participating in the Health Diagnostics Laboratory, Inc. Massey Challenge, a fundraiser that is part of the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k on March 31.

“The challenge is important to me because of my personal experience, but cancer impacts almost everyone,” Skunda said. “One in two men, and one in three women, will have cancer in their lifetime. There is groundbreaking research that is being done for cancer right here in Richmond. I think the community should be proud of that.”

However, Massey’s community ties extend beyond Richmond. The center — one of 66 National Cancer Institute-designated centers in the nation — reaches out in Virginia with cancer prevention and control efforts and is currently expanding its clinical trials network so that patients throughout the state can participate through Massey's affiliate partnerships with community hospitals and oncology practices.

“We’re really becoming a true resource for all Virginians to obtain important information about the latest ways to prevent, detect and treat cancer,” said Julie Dillon, Massey’s director of development communications.

Back home, she added, the center’s connection to VCU goes beyond the name. “Researchers at Massey are affiliated with 22 academic departments, five schools and one college at VCU,” Dillon said. “It’s a very multidimensional part of the university.”

Race participants wishing to help the center should register separately for the HDL, Inc. Massey Challenge (10k registration fees do not benefit the center).

“It’s easy to participate because it’s all Web-based,” Dillon said. “All it takes is one email asking 10 friends for $10 or one Facebook post telling people that you’re participating, and you’ve raised $100.”

She also stressed that runners and walkers should not be deterred by feeling that they have to raise large sums of money. “A lot of people doing a little bit makes a big difference,” she said.

Runners and walkers are encouraged to sign up for the HDL, Inc. Massey Challenge as individuals or join together with others from their family, civic club, fraternity or sorority, academic major or other affiliation. Massey Challenge registration is free, and anyone who raises $100 or more will receive a performance shirt to wear on race day.

Perhaps more importantly, participants can expect a sense of satisfaction.

“We believe we’re helping to create a healthier community,” Dillon said.

Resources
Register for the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10K.
Sign up for the HDL, Inc. Massey Challenge.
“Like” the HDL, Inc. Massey Challenge Facebook page.