Women and Wellness
Women empowering women in the fight against cancer
Thirty years ago, a group of women created something remarkable: Women and Wellness. Over the past three decades, Women and Wellness has grown into a tradition of women empowering women in the fight against women’s cancer.
Experience the impact of Women and Wellness and how philanthropic support over the past 30 years has contributed to critical advances that are saving lives.
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Exploring the evolution of women’s health and cancer research
By gathering together to share information and advocate for early detection and screenings, Women and Wellness has empowered and saved lives for more than 30 years, raising more than $5 million to advance cancer research and innovation at VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center. Women and Wellness is moving us closer to a future without the burdens of cancer.
“The story of Women and Wellness is shared and told by all of us. Words of wisdom from the past, gratitude from the present and hope for the future. Together, WE are Women and Wellness.”
—Melissa Weaver, 2025 Women and Wellness luncheon chair
Upcoming Events
Women and Wellness Luncheon
Women empowering women in the cancer fight
Each February, the annual Women and Wellness luncheon at The Jefferson Hotel features a keynote speaker to share her personal experience and to motivate and empower others. The annual event and a Richmond tradition has drawn speakers that have included Joan London, Meg Ryan, Elizabeth Gilbert and Suleika Jaouad, among others.
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
11 am » The Jefferson Hotel
2026 Dates To Be Announced
2025 KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Judy Pearson
Judy Pearson is a best-selling, award-winning author, and storyteller, with an anthology and five biographies to her credit. Following her own breast cancer journey, she founded A 2nd Act, a nonprofit empowering women cancer survivors to create community-focused “second acts,” while her acclaimed books, including From Shadows to Life, highlight transformative stories in cancer research and recovery. Known for her warmth and humor, Judy’s advocacy and storytelling have made her a leading voice in the cancer survivorship movement and women’s health.
Play It Forward Tennis Tournament and Celebration
Rallying for a cure. Together.
The Women and Wellness Play It Forward tennis tournament invites Richmonders to rally together to fight cancer. Each October, Women and Wellness hosts a Play It Forward weekend, kicking off with a Friday evening celebration and two days of tennis, with singles and doubles opportunities for women, men and kids.
October
Other ways to get involved
Get involved
Donate to Women and Wellness
Become a corporate champion
Learn more about how you can Join Team Massey or contact us to get the conversation started.
2025 Sponsors
PRESENTING SPONSOR
PARTNER SPONSORS
ADVOCATE SPONSORS
CONTRIBUTOR SPONSORS
BENEFACTOR SPONSORS
MEDIA SPONSORS
TABLE HOSTS
Barbara Van Tolingen
Cathy Plotkin and Karen Shudtz
Missy and Jim Ryan
Chesapeake Wealth Management and Chesapeake Bank
TowneBank
A look back: 30+ years of Women and Wellness
Contact
Reach out to us for more information about Women and Wellness and sponsorship opportunities. Meghan Zapiec, Associate Director Events and Community Engagement, mzapiec@vcu.edu.
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