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Joey McCaffrey can’t remember how many people he’s referred to VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center over the last few decades. 

What he can remember, however, are the hugs, the tears, the words of gratitude he experiences every time someone he’s referred to the cancer center circles back around and shares their joy in having found a place of hope and healing. 

McCaffrey is past president, current state chaplain and Massey state fundraising chair for the Virginia Moose Association (VMA). The VMA has raised $2.5 million in collective giving to support Massey over 40 years.

For decades, McCaffrey said, Virginia’s state Moose organization, made up of tens of thousands of members from lodges around the commonwealth, has kept Massey at the forefront of its giving priorities. The relationship started in 1986 and, since then, more than $2.5 million has been raised through VMA’s annual charity events. 

VMA has three named spaces on the MCV Campus. In 2006, a wing was named in the Goodwin Research Laboratory. In 2021 and 2025, the association named two family/patient lounge areas in the Adult Outpatient Pavilion in honor of members. The reason for this sustained giving is simple, McCaffrey said.   

“We all know someone who’s touched by cancer,” he said. “Massey is the best place for someone to be if they have a cancer diagnosis. Even if it’s just a referral, if I can help save a life, it’s all worth it.” 

Longstanding philanthropic relationships such as the one between Massey and VMA help enable the cancer center to move forward in research, care and education. 

“I am incredibly grateful to the Virginia Moose Association for their commitment to communities across Virginia, and particularly their steadfast support of Massey,” said Monica L. Baskin, Ph.D., interim director at the cancer center. “That funding has contributed to a 34% reduction in cancer deaths in the U.S. – that’s more grandparents attending weddings, graduations and holidays, making survivorship not only a possibility, but a reality.”

If you are interested in supporting VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, please contact Jasmine Davis, executive director of development, at jjdavis3@vcu.edu or 804-828-1452.

This was repurposed from an article originally published by MCV Foundation.

Written by: Holly Prestidge