Discovery Society: Alice and Bill Talbot

Alice Talbot recalls her diagnosis of thyroid cancer decades ago as a young woman, and how, back then, she was grateful to the doctors who took care of her and allowed her to lead a wonderful life. 

But so much has changed, she says, about medicine now. She marvels at the advancements in cancer care at VCU Health and VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center that are leaps and bounds above the treatment she received. 

I had cancer, but I’ve seen how research has changed at VCU and how it’s advanced after all these years, and I don’t want people to go through what I did.

Alice Talbot, MCV Foundation Discovery Society member

Today, Alice and her husband, Bill Talbot, are proud to share that they’re helping move the research needle through their generosity and the desire to see others get the sort of treatment she never had. 

The Talbots have included Massey in their estate plans.  

“I want someone else to benefit,” Alice Talbot said, explaining that she continues to live with complications from her thyroid surgery many years ago at a different health system. “I had cancer, but I’ve seen how research has changed at VCU and how it’s advanced after all these years, and I don’t want people to go through what I did.”  

The Talbots are part of the VCU Health community now thanks to an introduction a decade ago to the MCV Foundation’s Discovery Series Williamsburg, in which renowned experts from throughout the health system gather to share the latest in research and medical advancements that ultimately impact patient care. The series’ programming uniquely combines enriching panel discussions with small-group or one-on-one interactions with physicians and researchers. 

The Talbots are Discovery Society members. Those who attend the events and choose to contribute $1,000 or more annually in support of any school, unit or program on the MCV Campus at VCU Health become members of the Discovery Society. With their planned gift to Massey, they are also members of the MCV Society. 

Alice Talbot said she always knew that VCU Health was an extraordinary place. She worked on campus during the summers while she was in college. 

“All my life I’ve known people who go to VCU Health because they wanted the best advice and medical care,” she said.  

Today, as the health system continues to expand the breadth of its world-class services in the Williamsburg area — and the Talbots continue to learn about those services first-hand through the Discovery Series — they routinely refer friends and others to the health system. 

“The doctors who talk to us, when you listen to them, you just know how dedicated they are,” Alice Talbot said. “People in this area will go to VCU because of that reputation.” 

If you are interested in learning more about the MCV Foundation’s outreach initiatives in Williamsburg or Richmond, please contact Brian Thomas, MCV Foundation interim president and CEO.