In Brief

A COMMUNITY UNITES AGAINST BREAST CANCER

For nearly two decades, UVA Health Culpeper Medical Center has partnered with Sharon Welch Clark, owner of the Culpeper shop Pepperberries, to increase access to lifesaving breast cancer screenings. Their annual event, Pamper Me Pink, raises funds to provide free mammograms for residents who qualify. “Together, we have provided hundreds of mammograms and helped make a real difference in our community,” said Clark. 

The event offers a variety of wellness-focused experiences, including paraffin wax hand treatments, massages, and other pampering activities. Attendees can also participate in educational sessions about breast cancer awareness. All proceeds from Pamper Me Pink stay within the region—directly supporting residents of Culpeper, Madison, Orange, and Rappahannock counties. Mammograms funded through the program are provided at the UVA Health Outpatient Imaging Center in Culpeper. 

Thanks to strong community support, last year’s Pamper Me Pink raised $31,507. Fundraising for this year’s event, which will take place on Oct. 28 at Germanna Community College's Daniel Technology Center, began early, with a basket raffle, a 5K run, and hoodie sales by the Culpeper County Sheriff’s Office. Additional contributions have come from organizations including the Culpeper Wellness Foundation, the Path Foundation, and Orange County High School, raising $13,841 even before the main event. 

“Pamper Me Pink is one of the most uplifting and emotionally fulfilling events our community experiences each year,” said Jeff Say, manager of community engagement at UVA Health Culpeper Medical Center. “It brings people together to celebrate survivors, raise awareness, and support one another in the fight against cancer.” 

GIVING BACK SO OTHER KIDS CAN HEAR

When searching for the best surgeon for their son’s ear surgery, the Dyer family from Georgia turned to Bradley Kesser, MD, a UVA Health specialist in otology and neurotology—and he delivered. 

The surgery transformed the life of young Bryce Dyer. He can now hear clearly in school and play sports again. Wanting other kids to have the same opportunity, Bryce and his father, Ryan, decided to give back. Through UVA Health’s Get Involved crowdfunding platform, the Dyers have raised more than $25,000 to help other children access hearing care. 

“There’s a burden knowing a kid might need this procedure or a hearing aid and can’t get it,” said Ryan. “That’s a powerful burden on my heart. We’re not going to stop. We’re on a mission.” 

WELCOMING THE NEXT GENERATION OF PHYSICIANS

UVA School of Medicine held its annual White Coat Ceremony on Aug. 15. This year, 157 members of the Class of 2029 celebrated this milestone event. 

Generously endowed by the School of Medicine Class of 1965, the White Coat Ceremony is a cherished tradition that serves as a welcome and a rite of passage for those embarking on careers in medicine. In addition to receiving personalized white coats, the incoming students are presented with medical tool kits containing a stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, tuning fork, and reflex hammer. They also recite a covenant to affirm their shared values with faculty members and classmates. 

The Class of 2029 was selected from a competitive pool of 7,148 applicants. This impressive group brings strong academic credentials, placing them in the 95th percentile nationally. Hailing from 28 states and the District of Columbia, the students represent 58 different undergraduate institutions. More than half are from Virginia. 

SUPPORT FOR PATIENT- AND FAMILY-CENTERED CARE 

This summer, Howard Hanna Real Estate Services donated $20,777 to UVA Health Children’s from the Howard Hanna Children’s Free Care Fund to benefit the Patient- and Family-Centered Care program. This program helps families cover unexpected expenses and overcome financial and logistical challenges while their loved ones receive care at UVA Health Children’s. For example, the program can offer assistance with transportation, lodging, or meals. It also provides child life specialists who help patients and families prepare for and cope with medical procedures and treatments. 

Throughout 2024, Howard Hanna real estate agents in Charlottesville, Zion Crossroads, and Greene County raised money for the Free Care Fund.