We may have different reasons for coming together and different ways of showing our support, but we all share one goal: to help Columbia solve cancer.
The stories below represent the passion of our community and why Velocity is important to them.
Mavis K. Fowler-Williams
As a nurse, Mavis’s mom was knowledgeable about healthcare and knew to see a specialist as soon as she noticed something was off.
Unfortunately, she received insufficient care and a misdiagnosis. By the time she went for a second opinion, her cancer had metastasized and she was gravely ill. She passed away shortly after.
Mavis’s mom wasn’t treated at Columbia but if she was, Mavis is sure her quality of care would have been much better. That’s why Mavis–an alumna of Columbia Law School–has supported Velocity. It’s her way to spread awareness and ensure that more people can receive the quality care that can hopefully make all the difference.
Sam and Terri Cundiff
In 2010, Terri’s husband Sam was diagnosed with a very aggressive b-cell lymphoma. While a stem cell transplant put his cancer in a good place, surgery, treatments and radiation caused Sam to develop multiple necrotic masses that interfered with major organs.
Someone on the surgical board of Sam’s local hospital had heard about Dr. Tamoaki Kato, a surgeon at Columbia who is a pioneer in organ surgery. In 2016, Dr. Kato and his team performed a 20-hour ExVivo surgery that saved Sam’s life.
Linda Ury Greenberg
For Linda Ury Greenberg, volunteering and fundraising for Velocity is about helping save lives. Her mother-in-law and father-in-law both died from cancer and several of her friends have had to undergo treatment for their own diagnoses. Their strength and courage through immensely difficult times inspires Linda to do her part to solve cancer.
And as an employee and alumni of Columbia University, joining Velocity was a no-brainer, which is why she’s been an enthusiastic volunteer and fundraiser for Velocity since 2018.
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