RideForJim

program and the Massey Cancer Center (www.massey.vcu.edu) is one of only 65 National Cancer Institute in the US. As an NCI-designated center, much of the latest cancer research is developed and available right here. Our 500 researchers — 175 of whom are VCU faculty members — endeavor to bring their discoveries from the laboratories to the bedside as quickly and safely as possible. Massey offers more clinical trials than any other cancer center in Virginia, which in turn enables us to offer more hope and new treatment options to people with all kinds of cancer. The Goodwin Research Laboratory, Massey’s new 80,000- square-foot cancer research wing, is equipped with state-of-the-art labs and cleanrooms to support our next generation of research.

Who is Jim? We are raising the funds in honor and remembrance of Jim Popp. He earned a MD from the School of Medicine at Virginia Commonwealth University and practiced medicine before being struck down by cancer. He completed the MD in 1988. He was diagnosed with a high grade malignant sarcoma in his hamstring in 2006 and died in 2007 at age 45.

Events Leaving Framville, VA in early morning

RideForJim sponsors three events each year to raise funds. light

• The Transamerica Tour. The tour traces most of Bicycle I-76, a 4,000 mile cross-country route developed in 1976 as part of the celebration of the nation’s bicentennial birthday. The Richmond Riders Rally. The Rally is a block party that occurs the night before Finale Ride. It celebrates the efforts of everyone involved: the riders who have nearly completed the Transamerica Tour, the riders who will join them the next day on the Finale Ride, the volunteers, corporate sponsors and partners, and, most importantly, donors. The Rally includes food, beverages, music, prizes, and auctions.
• The Yorktown Finale Ride. The Finale Ride is the last leg of the Transamerica Tour. It begins at the Egyptian Building on the Medical College of Virginia Campus of Virginia Commonwealth University, and ends at Water Street in Yorktown. The Transamerica riders traditionally dip a wheel of their bikes into the York River to signify the completion of the tour.

Why ride?

We ride for several reasons:

• The rides reflect the perseverance and struggle needed to fight cancer, both as a patient and as a Riding to Richmond, VA. I am the last researcher. rider in the line.
• The rides reflect the personality and athleticism of Jim.

• The rides provide a platform to publicize our goal and attract funds for the Jim Popp Student Research Fund at the Massey Cancer Center.The rides provide a way for others to remember loved ones and friends who have fought cancer. Our rallying cry is, "Ride for her, ride for him, ride for Jim." Members of my family who have died from cancer include: Tom Atkins (father in law). Tom Atkins (brother in law), Laurie Strand (sister in law), and Dick Millner (uncle). My wife was very close to Laurie. I ride for Laurie.

Please help

Every cent of every dollar donated to RideForJim goes to the Jim Popp Student Research Fund. The Massey Cancer Center covers all administrative costs. The riders cover the costs of the tours.

Please make donations directly through the VCU Massey Cancer Center.

To make a gift by check, please make it payable to:

Massey Cancer Center Doug Gardner, a TransAm rider, with

P.O. Box 980214 a Ride For Jim tatoo. Doug was a Richmond, Virginia 23298-0214 college roommate with Jim Popp.

Please put "Ride for Jim" in the comment field.

Jack Haar giving instructions to the Yorktown Finale Riders

in front of the Egyptian Building on the MCV campus.