Ride for Jim

In the summer of 2008, Dr. Jack Haar, Professor of Anatomy at VCU, and his son Philip created a TransAmerica fundraising ride as a vehicle to support cancer research, known as the RideForJim. The ride was dedicated in memory of their good friend, Jim Popp, who died of cancer in the summer of 2007. Jim was a superb athlete, trusted physician and beloved father and husband.

The fund was created with the intent to offer fellowships to first-year medical students. The stipend covers travel and living expenses while the recipient performs cancer related research during the summer following their first year. Because of the sustained efforts of dedicated riders and supporters, the James D. Popp Student Research Fund has already awarded its second fellowship. To date the RideForJim event series has raised over $100,000 in support of cancer research.

The fellowships awarded will expose bright medical students to the world of cancer research. This opportunity comes with the hope that the experience will lead these students towards a specialty in Oncology incorporating cancer research with patient care.

Each year since 2008, dedicated riders have completed the TransAmerica ride in support of RideForJim. The traditional last leg of this ride is from Richmond to Yorktown, and this portion of the ride has become the Yorktown Finale Ride. This one-day ride attracts cyclists from Virginia and all over the mid-Atlantic region. The Yorktown Finale riders conduct their own fundraising efforts with help from the Massey Cancer Center, and all proceeds benefit the fund and the resulting cancer research efforts. Corporate sponsorship of the Richmond event series allows 100% of the rider fundraising to go to the fund.

Please help the the fund and donate or support us any way you can!