RCG Helps HU Draw Attention to Major Cancer Treatment Center

Hampton University is one of America’s most prestigious HBCU (historically black colleges and universities), but constructing a $200-million center to treat cancer using highly advanced proton therapy seemed a stretch even for HU.

You have to know HU President Dr. William Harvey, however, who is not afraid of challenges if he thinks it will benefit people.  He is also willing to ask for help, and Rubin Communications Group is onboard, generating publicity for the project, which is coming out of the ground on an off-campus site in city of Hampton.

Working with HU Government Relations Director William Thomas, RCG President Joel Rubin suggested the school ask for support from Chuck Davis, whose wife Jo Ann was congresswoman from the Virginia Peninsula from 2001 until her death at age 57 from cancer last October.  Davis, a former firefighter who was married to Jo Ann for 33 years, was very interested in learning about Proton Therapy, which is able to target tumors directly without damaging surrounding organs and therefore limiting the side effects that accompany more conventional treatments.

After a visit to HU to meet Dr. Cynthia Keppel, scientific and technical director for the Hampton University Proton Therapy Institute (HUPTI), Davis agreed to work with Joel Rubin on an op-ed piece to submit to local and regional newspapers and to participate in a news conference and reception during the upcoming General Assembly session.

“Chuck not only lost his wife of 33 years to cancer but both of his parents also died from cancer, each around age 60, so he understands how devastating this disease can be to families,” says Joel Rubin.  “I think his involvement will help people inside and outside government understand why the public needs to help courageous institutions like Hampton University fund new research, treatment and educational programs.”

The Op-Ed is already appearing in local papers, and HU hopes it helps raise awareness of its ambitious lifesaving undertaking on behalf of Virginia residents.