Teen’s love of flight raises $100,000 for Massey

Linsey Kornblau, an adventurous 17-year-old senior at Collegiate School, used her love of flying to raise funds for her hometown National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center, the Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center.

In early August, with the help of sponsor Eagle Construction, she flew a single-engine Cessna across the U.S. to raise money for cancer research at Massey and to inspire others to use their passion for a purpose.

The idea to fly across the country came easily, as did choosing the char­ity that she would support through her endeavor, she said. Like most people, Kornblau said, she has friends and family mem­bers directly touched by cancer and has witnessed how deeply the disease affects a community.

Her sky-high spirit of adventure found its perfect match with her growing passion for the cause.

Kornblau set up a website, www.flightformassey.org, and a Facebook page to spread the word about her endeavor and encourage donations. By the end of her four-month effort, she met her lofty goal of raising $100,000.

“I chose to raise money for Massey so my friends, family and community in Richmond will continue to have the opportunity to receive the best treatments close to home,” Kornblau says. “I know the funds will be put to good use toward promising research happening at Massey that could lead to cures.”

Kornblau’s family has a long philanthropic relationship with VCU, and her father, Bryan Kornblau, was thrilled to see his daughter’s interest in supporting Massey.

“Linsey’s passion for aviation is something we’ve shared for a while, and I couldn’t be more proud that she also shares our family’s sense of responsibility to the commu­nity,” he says. “As a father, I love that she was able to combine her spirit of adventure with making a difference in her world.”

To make a gift in support of cancer research, contact Lee Boykin, director of major gifts for the VCU Massey Cancer Center, at (804) 827-0600 or lboykin@vcu.edu.