RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Two award-winning creatives, Suleika Jaouad and Jon Batiste, visited Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) on Thursday. What brought them to Richmond? On Thursday, Oct. 24, the VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center celebrated its 50th anniversary with a "Golden Gala," which was held at Main Street Station. According to a VCU press release, since its conception, Massey has been a leader in the fight against cancer. Massey leadership spent the evening talking through the past five decades and looking towards the future with hope. Additionally, a "fireside chat" was held with two special guests -- Suleika Jaouad and Jon Batiste. Batiste is a Grammy award-winning musician and composer with an extensive creative career, having worked with the likes of Stevie Wonder, Ed Sheeran and Prince, among many others. He is well-known for his several years of work with "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert." Jaouad is an Emmy award-winning writer and advocate, best known for "Life, Interrupted," a column in the New York Times and a video series she created during her battle with leukemia. VCU Health given green light to begin lung transplants The married couple spoke on a variety of topics, including Jaouad's own cancer journey. They also talked about the importance of ensuring people can access quality medical care, the value of bone marrow transplantation treatments and "the impacts of keeping love at the forefront of everyday life." Batiste also treated attendees to a brief musical performance. Pictured left to right: Jon Batiste, Suleika Jaouad, Becky Massey, Genienne Samuels. (Photo: Corbin Gurkin/VCU) Massey leadership made several announcements that night, including the brand-new "Suleika Jaouad Endowed Fund for Access and Equity in Cellular Therapies and Transplantation." "The fund is named in honor of Jaouad, who has chronicled her experience with leukemia and recovery and has become a national advocate, raising awareness of healthcare issues that affect diverse patient populations, such as the need for greater access to lifesaving treatments, including bone marrow transplantation," VCU said in the release. The proceeds will support Massey's Cellular Immunotherapies and Transplant Program. According to VCU, with this new financing, the program will be able to "increase bone marrow donor diversity and availability, enhance family engagement in transplantation and strengthen caregiver and community support." Surgical oncologist debunks breast cancer myths This fund was kickstarted by a $100,000 gift from the Massey Family Foundation. "This endowment from the Massey Family Foundation is a testament to the importance of building a healthcare system that serves everyone, regardless of their background," said Becky Massey, representing the Foundation, in the release. "We are proud to support Massey in its mission to expand access to cellular therapies and transplantation."