In the summer of 2008, Dr. Jack Haar, a Professor of Anatomy at VCU at the time, and his son Philip went on a TransAmerica fundraising bicycle ride in an effort to support cancer research. The ride was called RideForJim and was dedicated to the 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 husband and devoted father of five children ages 3,5,7,9,and 11. 
The fund was created to establish a fellowship that would encourage first-year medical students to engage in cancer related research during the summer following their first year of medical school. The fellowship includes a stipend to cover living expenses as well as funds to travel to a national cancer research meeting. The purpose of the fellowship is to expose bright medical students to the world of cancer research with the hope that the experience will lead them to a career that will in some way incorporate cancer research with patient care.
From 2008 until 2014 several other dedicated cyclists completed the TransAmerica bicycle fundraising ride. RideForJim also offered cyclists the opportunity to participate in a single day fundraising event by cycling local loops that culminated in a post-ride celebration honoring them for their fundraising efforts.
Thanks to the contributions of so many generous supporters a James D. Popp Student Research Fellowship has been awarded each year since 2010.
Although we are no longer sponsoring annual bicycling fundraising events, the James D. Popp Research Fund remains open.
Contributions can still be made to the fund directly through the Massey Cancer Center <here>.
All proceeds benefit the fund and the resulting cancer research efforts. Thank you for your interest in this effort and for your support.