Women & Wellness events raise more than $275,000 for breast cancer research at VCU's Massey Cancer Center

By Pamela DiSalvo Lepley
Division of University Relations

RICHMOND, Va. - Olympic gold medalist, network sports commentator and breast cancer survivor Peggy Fleming urged audiences at two Women & Wellness events to "take charge of their health" as a prevention against cancer.  Fleming made the remarks before sold-out audiences at the 9th Annual Women & Wellness luncheon and the first Women & Wellness Breakfast, held today at The Jefferson Hotel in Richmond. 

The events fell on the 36th anniversary of Fleming capturing the 1968 Olympic ladies' figure skating title in Grenoble, France.  "I was known as a celebrated athlete then, now I am a celebrated breast cancer survivor," Fleming said.  "I faced cancer like a competition - a test of heart, determination and self."

Fleming said much of cancer prevention is a personal responsibility, and she encouraged attendees to exercise, eat healthy, and get regular checkups.

Fleming spoke to a combined audience of more than 800 at the two events, which raised a record $275,000 to benefit breast cancer research at the Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center.  The Women & Wellness luncheon over the past nine years, and this year's first Women & Wellness breakfast, have raised more than $1.25 million for breast cancer research at Massey.

"Research offers hope.  As one of 61 National Cancer Institute (NCI) - designated centers in the country, the VCU Massey Cancer Center wants to be at the forefront to bring hope, through our research, to cancer patients and their families," said Dr. Gordon D. Ginder, VCU Massey Cancer Center director.

Raising awareness of cancer prevention, treatment and research also is the goal of the Women & Wellness events, said Lila Putney, chair of the 2004 events.  "We're honored to have Peggy Fleming here as a faithful and highly visible promoter of breast cancer and awareness," she said.

Fleming was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1998 and has since been tireless in promoting breast cancer awareness.  She is married, with two sons, and is a grandmother.  She continues her 23-year affiliation with ABC sports as an on-air analyst.  Fleming has been inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame, the United States Figure Skating Association Hall of Fame and the Women�s Sports Foundation Hall of Fame.  She was honored in 1999 at the Sports Illustrated 20th Century Awards, named to an elite group of seven athletes who �changed the game."