When Cindy Cheely was diagnosed with oral cancer in 2007, it was her strength, courage and the support of her doctors and church community that helped her through such a dark, frightening part of her life.

Cheely, the executive administrative assistant for student services at VCU School of Dentistry, has since recovered from the disease. Now, she shares her story and messages of strength to other oral cancer patients and survivors at the SNDA Oral Cancer Walk.

The Student National Dental Association at VCU hosted the 13th annual SNDA Oral Cancer Walk at Abner Clay Park on April 14. Participants walked to raise awareness for oral cancer and raise money to support the Philips Institute for Oral Health Research. This event coincides with Oral Cancer Awareness Month in April.

The weather could not have been more beautiful as students and attendees mingled and enjoyed a catered lunch. This was followed by speeches from students involved with the VCU SNDA and Cheely. 

The cancer diagnosis came as a shock to Cheely, who was outside of the common risk factors.

“I wasn’t a drinker or a smoker, so I was outside of the higher risk categories,” Cheely said, “but unfortunately, this is happening more and more to young people and even to people who aren’t high at risk.”

According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, one of the greatest challenges with diagnosing oral cancer is that it is often discovered too late. Signs of oral cancer can include sores or discoloration in the mouth that do not heal after 14 days. Oral cancer rates are rising amongst those under 40, and are more likely to impact the male and Black populations.

Cheely emphasized the importance of getting head and neck exams on a regular basis and to be aware of the signs of oral cancer. It is equally as important for dental students preparing to enter the field to recognize the signs as well.

“I was lucky because we were able to catch it early,” Cheely said. “My doctors were very proactive in getting me to an oral surgeon and having a biopsy.”

Following the speeches, everyone in attendance walked the length of Abner Clay Park. Spirits were high as they walked, knowing they were raising money for a great cause..

For Alexus Harris (D3), the President of the VCU SNDA, the event exemplifies SNDA’s commitment to serving the community. 

“Part of the mission with SNDA is to help the underrepresented minorities at the dental school and create a supportive community not only in the school, but in the community,” Harris said. “We can help so many people with oral health needs by breaking down barriers and raising awareness for health issues people might not have even known they had.”

She has worked on the planning committee for the event for three years. Her responsibilities include reaching out to sponsors and speakers, securing a venue and planning every detail of the event from food to games to the walk itself.

“I think this is a great opportunity to unite the dental school with the Richmond community,” Harris said. “We love having members of the community join in or even just ask questions about what we’re doing.”

Jerry Jarrett (D3) serves as Vice President of the VCU SNDA and helped plan the Oral Cancer Walk. This was also his third year serving on the board for SNDA. However, Jarrett also participated in the Oral Cancer Walk as an undergraduate at VCU, where he was a member of the Undergraduate Student Dental Association.

“As a future dental practitioner, this is something that people are going to depend on me to catch. I want to be able to help people live long, healthy lives and I can do so by not only doing my job as a dentist, but helping patients see the signs of oral cancer as well,” Jarrett said.

A portion of the funds raised during this event will be donated to the Philips Institute for Oral Health Research at VCU School of Dentistry.

Dr. Iain Morgan, associate dean for research at VCU School of Dentistry and chair of the Philips Institute, leads the research efforts. The Philips Institute focuses on research for cancer treatments and bacterial infection and inflammation. 

Dr. Morgan expressed not only the importance of raising funds for the research efforts, but also the impact education and awareness has on people’s long term health. He noted that head and neck cancer rates are on the rise, due to human papillomavirus infection.

“We want to continue to elevate research,” Dr. Morgan said. “We’ll continue to strive to make each day an improvement over the last. There has been a lot of progress here and there will continue to be.”

The Philips Institute will continue to make breakthroughs in the treatment for oral cancers and help change the lives of people, like Cindy Cheely.

Cheely’s message to those currently struggling with oral cancer?

“Take your time. Take every minute at a time.” Cheely said. “And surround yourself with a support system of people that care about you. I was so lucky to have my family, friends, doctors and my church to help me through this.”