VCU news

By Eric Peters

Matt Farrior presented VCU officials this week with a $13,000 check made possible by funds raised at April’s inaugural VCU/Farrior Foundation Sickle Cell Gala, which featured the Pittsburgh Steelers' James Farrior (Matt’s brother) and Ryan Clark.

Matt and James are co-founders of the James Farrior Foundation, an organization active in supporting a number of charitable causes ranging from computer literacy to childhood obesity.

VCU personnel on hand to accept the check included Dr. Wally Smith, medical director of the VCU Center on Health Disparities; Dr. India Sisler, medical director, pediatric sickle cell program, Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU; Brian Thomas, senior executive director of development, Medical College of Virginia Foundation; and Florence Neal Cooper Smith, co-founder of the innovative Virginia Sickle Cell Anemia Awareness Program.

The proceeds presented this week will benefit the adult and pediatric sickle cell programs at VCU Medical Center and the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.

“Our goal is to provide comprehensive care to those suffering from the disease to help them and their families deal with all of the ways that sickle cell impacts their lives,” Sisler said.  “They can greatly benefit from the care of psychologists, educational consultants, social workers and physicians. These services can only be funded through fundraisers like this one.”

A specific program that will benefit from the funds is the nationally recognized sickle cell transition program, which supports and educates sickle cell patients as they transition from pediatric care to adult care.

"The MCV Foundation was pleased to work with The James Farrior Foundation to help raise awareness of sickle cell anemia and secure funding for research and treatment that was initiated by Florence Neal Cooper Smith on the MCV Campus more than 40 years ago,” Thomas said. “We look forward to building on the success of this year's event."