Fishing for a cure
On the surface, a fishing tournament has nothing in common with breast cancer research.
One is a festive occasion that leaves the winner with competition swag and bragging rights. The other is a highly scientific field that requires experts to work methodically and patiently on treatments for a disease that affects millions of Americans every year.
For 20 years, however, the Wine, Women and Fishing fundraising event has brought the two worlds together. Organized by the Chesapeake Bay Wine Classic Foundation, Wine Women and Fishing draws dozens of teams annually to Virginia Beach for a women’s-only billfish tournament. During the event, participants journey into the Atlantic Ocean to catch-and-release blue and white marlin, along with a variety of meat fish. After the tournament, community members who want to support the cause join the tournament participants — along with their friends and loved ones — for dinner, an awards presentation and a party at Rudee Inlet that has become a can’t-miss social event.
To date, the event has raised about $850,000 for breast cancer researchat EVMS, including research conducted through the school’s Leroy T. Canoles Jr. Cancer Research Center. Linda Church, Chair of Wine, Women and Fishing, says she hopes the 2022 event, scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 21, will push that total close to $1 million.
“So many people have been impacted by breast cancer or lost someone they loved to it,” Ms. Church says. “One of my best friends died of breast cancer in 2006. I’ll do whatever I can to help researchers develop new treatments and find a cure.”
EVMS faculty members say the money raised is making a profound difference on research and patient care. For example, Wine, Women and Fishing donations have helped fund research into how certain biological markers shape a patient’s response to chemotherapy. Funds also have allowed EVMS researchers to collaborate with peers at the Virginia Modeling, Analysis and Simulation Center at Old Dominion University on robotics-based initiatives that could decrease the need for surgical interventions in some patients. In addition, money generated from theevent supports critical research staff, notes Eric Feliberti, MD, Professor of Surgery and Associate Director for Clinical Care Research at the Leroy T. Canoles Jr. Cancer Research Center.
“There is a whole infrastructure behind cancer research that has to exist for us to move forward,” Dr. Feliberti says. “The money raised by Wine, Women and Fishing helps provide that infrastructure, and the investment means that we can conduct these important research trials right here in Hampton Roads.”
A robust breast cancer research program in a region as diverse as Tidewater also ensures EVMS faculty members can work to address one of the most vexing challenges of the disease — persistent health disparities among patient populations. According to the American Cancer Society, Black women have a 41 percent higher death rate from breast cancer than white women.
The gap widens when researchers look only at younger women. Black women with breast cancer who are age 50 and younger have a mortality rate double that of young white women.
John Semmes, PhD, the Anthem Distinguished Professor for Cancer Research, Professor of Microbiology and Molecular Cell Biology, Associate Dean for Translational Research and Director of the Leroy T. Canoles Jr. Cancer Research Center, says the event is “a wonderful way to make a difference in breast cancer research and care in Hampton Roads.”
“The fishing tournament itself is first class and the participants are so enthusiastic,” Dr. Semmes says, noting that many EVMS faculty and staff members have participated on tournament teams or as event volunteers.
“Wine Women and Fishing has provided such a positive vehicle for raising funds to support research at EVMS for 20 years,” Dr. Semmes adds. “The organizers epitomize the determination and sense of humor that characterizes many patients and families dealing with breast cancer. Their energy sets the tone for the entire event.”
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
This year’s Wine, Women and Fishing event takes place on Sunday, Aug. 21, at the Southside Marina in Virginia Beach. The tournament is open to women with any level of fishing experience, including beginners. The tournament takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is followed by a dock party, awards celebration and dinner, along with music from the headline band, Guava Jam. Find out more, register for the tournament and buy tickets for the festivities at cbwc.org.
Read more magazine stories from issue 14.2 or read stories from past issues.
Subscribe to receive free copies of EVMS Magazine.
Subscribe