PVM’s Oncology Team Buoys Purdue Institute for Cancer Research 5K Fundraising Run

It is no surprise that the members of Purdue’s Werling Comparative Oncology Research Center (WCORC) in the College of Veterinary Medicine would not back down from a challenge, especially when it comes to supporting innovative cancer research. So, true to form, about two-dozen representatives of the center could be found out on the course Saturday, April 12, participating in the 17th annual 5K Challenge fundraising run to support the Purdue Institute for Cancer Research.

The event, which started and ended just west of the Rankin Track and Field, near the Cordova Recreational Sports Center, brought together the Boilermaker community and beyond to raise support for the fight against cancer. Among the 1422 registrants this year, 23 represented the Werling Comparative Oncology Research Center. They included Dr. Deborah Knapp and her husband Jim; Dr. Marejka Shaevitz; Dr. Erin Stewart; Drs. Shawna Klahn and Nick Dervisis and their family; Dr. Zachary Yaufman; Drs. Mike and Erica Childress and their family; Drs. Chris and Carrie Fulkerson and family; Dr. Conor Williams; Seung-Oe Lim, PhD, a key collaborator on the faculty of the Purdue College of Pharmacy; Jeri Tullius, RVT and her husband Bob; Patty Bonney, RVT; and Erica Fesler, RVT.

One of the team members, Dr. Marejka Shaevitz, clinical assistant professor of oncology, has her own deeply personal story that relates to her participation. Dr. Shaevitz won a battle with cancer after she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a rare form of cancer that affects the immune system.

“As both a cancer survivor and veterinary oncologist who works to move cancer therapy forward for pets and people, I was overwhelmed at the level of support for the Challenge 5k and honored to be a part of the community supporting the important research taking place through the Purdue Institute for Cancer Research,” said Dr. Shaevitz, reflecting on her participation in the run.

Dr. Knapp served as the Team Captain leading the pack of WCORC participants. Together the group helped contribute to the total of $49,764 that was raised for the Purdue Institute for Cancer Research by a total of 78 teams.

This annual event brings extraordinary hope to survivors and their loved ones, emphasizing that small contributions can spark major change in the fight against cancer. Since it started in 2008, the 5K Challenge has generated more than $1 million in funding to advance lifesaving science at the Purdue Institute for Cancer Research. By bringing real hope to survivors and their loved ones, the event proves that small steps lead to big change and PVM is proud and thankful to be so admirably represented by the veterinary oncology team that stepped up to the challenge!