VCU President Eugene Trani commends Rep. Eric Cantor for Massey Cancer Center funding support

By Pamela DiSalvo Lepley

RICHMOND, Va. (Nov. 23, 2004) – Virginia Commonwealth University President Eugene P. Trani today expressed gratitude to Congressman Eric Cantor (VA-7) for his work in securing $2.25 million to renovate and expand the VCU Massey Cancer Center.

The money is included in the latest federal spending bills approved by the U.S. House of Representatives this past weekend.

“This accomplishment is extraordinary, and we cannot thank Congressman Cantor enough for his superb effort on behalf of the Massey Cancer Center and cancer research,” Dr. Trani said.  "Congressman Cantor's success in securing funds for Massey Cancer Center will enable VCU to expand its research capacity and recruit new scientific talent dedicated to the treatment of cancer.  Massey is especially devoted to translational research, rapidly bringing new discoveries from the lab to the bedside.”

Rep. Cantor worked with fellow Congressmen David Hobson and Ralph Regula, both of Ohio, on the fiscal year 2005 Omnibus Appropriations Act.  The House passed the legislation Nov. 20, and it is expected to pass in the Senate and be signed into law by President Bush. 

The VCU Massey Cancer Center is one of 61 National Cancer Institute-designated research institutions and serves as VCU’s focal point for basic and clinical cancer research, education, prevention and cancer health care delivery.