UR Downtown opens new exhibition about pediatric cancer research

The University of Richmond Downtown is hosting a new exhibition, “RVA Cures: Conquering Childhood Cancer.” The exhibition is part of September’s National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

Organized by Connor’s Heroes Foundation, the exhibition will tell the stories of local children, caregivers and researchers who are facing cancer, the number one disease killer of children.

The exhibition will feature photographs by Richmond artist Kristin Seward and one hundred zebrafish painted by children and local artists. The zebrafish is the symbol of pediatric cancer research conducted in Richmond.

“We hope ‘RVA Cures’ will raise awareness about how childhood cancer affects the lives of families and the researchers who are working to improve treatments and find a cure, right here in Richmond,” said Lisa Goodwin, co-founder and managing director of Connor’s Heroes Foundation. “Pediatric cancer receives 4 percent of federal cancer research funding, so researchers must rely on individuals and nonprofits to help fund their projects.”

Beginning with the exhibition opening on Sept. 1 from 5-7 p.m., “RVA Cures” will be on view at UR Downtown’s Wilton Companies Gallery, located at 626 E. Broad Street. The opening event is part of RVA First Fridays and is free and open to the public. The exhibition will be on view through through January 19, 2018.

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The Wilton Companies Gallery is a public space used for visual art exhibitions that relate to the mission of UR Downtown and its programs. For more information, visit downtown.richmond.edu.