Fund created in Massey director’s honor
A new Cancer Research Innovation Fund has been established in honor of the 20th anniversary of Gordon D. Ginder, M.D., as director of VCU Massey Cancer Center. The fund was announced as a surprise in November at Celebrating Massey, an annual recognition reception for donors and supporters.
In its initial quiet launch, a generous lead gift of $1 million was contributed anonymously along with additional gifts, including $250,000 from the Massey Foundation. All gifts to the fund contribute to the Make It Real Campaign for VCU.
The fund will be dedicated to supporting research priorities outlined in Ginder’s Vision 2021, a strategic plan that Ginder presented earlier this year outlining priorities paramount to Massey’s ultimate goal of earning the National Cancer Institute’s highest designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center. Vision 2021 aims to accelerate research among the cross-cutting themes of precision medicine, immuno-oncology; disparities and minority health research; and the roles of obesity, metabolism and inflammation in cancer.
Massey’s dedicated community of donors see the Cancer Research Innovation Fund as a fitting reflection of Ginder’s leadership and commitment to groundbreaking research.
“I cannot think of a more significant tribute to honor Gordon,” says Mike Gracik, who leads the Massey Advisory Board’s major gifts committee. “His remarkable and steadfast leadership has strategically positioned Massey Cancer Center’s success year after year. This fund is a meaningful way for the community to show our gratitude, celebrate Gordon’s career and accelerate groundbreaking research.”
To learn more about the Cancer Research Innovation Fund at VCU Massey Cancer Center, contact Cindy Zilch, chief development officer, at (804) 828-1452 or czilch@vcu.edu.