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The V Foundation for Cancer Research is a United States nonprofit organization that provides financial support for cancer research. It was founded in 1993 by Jim Valvano, a college basketball coach and ESPN broadcaster, with the aim of advancing cancer research that may lead to improvements in treatment and outcomes. Announced during Valvano’s speech at the inaugural ESPY Awards, the foundation’s motto is "Don’t Give Up… Don’t Ever Give Up!"

Headquartered in Cary, North Carolina, the foundation provides funding to early-stage researchers and established institutions across the United States. It raises funds through partnerships, donations, and events, including ESPN’s annual V Week and collaborations with corporations, sports organizations, and philanthropic groups. The V Foundation distributes research grants through a peer-reviewed process led by a Scientific Review Committee, which includes experts in oncology and related fields. In addition to general cancer research, the foundation has launched initiatives focused on addressing disparities in cancer research funding.

History and founding

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Valvano circa 1985

In January 1993, ESPN executives Steve Bornstein and John Lack met with Jim and Pam Valvano, offering ESPN's support in creating a foundation for cancer research.[1] Jim, who had been diagnosed with terminal metastatic adenocarcinoma on June 15, 1992, developed the initial plan on a yellow pad.[1] On March 4, 1993, at ESPN’s first ESPY Awards, Valvano announced the foundation’s launch while receiving the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage.[2] He declared its motto: “Don’t Give Up… Don’t Ever Give Up!” He passed away on April 28, 1993.[3][4]

Organization

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Headquartered in Cary, North Carolina, the foundation is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. John Saunders (journalist) was a founding board member of the V Foundation.[5] Other notable people involved in the V Foundation have been Dick Vitale,[6] Mike Krzyzewski,[7] Trey Wingo,[8] Dereck Whittenburg, and others.

CEOs

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Valvano's brother, Nicholas, served as CEO from 1999 until 2012.[9] Susan Braun served in the role until 2021.[10] Shane Jacobson currently serves as CEO.[11] Valvano's daughter has been involved in the foundation.[12]

Scientific Review Committee

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Notable past members of the foundation's scientific review committee include: Edison Liu, Karen H. Antman, Robert C. Bast, Jr., Gerold Bepler, and Ronald Levy.[1] Others include Nancy Davidson, Carlos Arteaga, Olivera Finn, Susan Hilsenbeck, and Michael B. Kastan.[13]

Research grants

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The foundation funds cancer research by awarding research grants to selected researchers,[14] known as V Scholars, through a review process by its Scientific Review Committee. The foundation has also funded cancer research facilities.[1]

Recipients

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In 2024, two University of Texas at San Antonio Health scientists received V Foundation grants.[15] A V Foundation grant went toward supporting childhood cancer research at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center's UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh.[16] Two researchers at the Wistar Institute received grants in 2025.[17]

Gender disparity grants

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In 2024, The V Foundation selected 15 scientists nationwide for funding through its "A Grant of Her Own: The Women Scientists Innovation Award for Cancer Research" program, aimed at addressing gender disparities in cancer research.[18]

Fundraising

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Initiatives and events

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The foundation conducts fundraising through a variety of initiatives and events, such as "Run For Team V" and "Fundraise for the V." Bristol Myers Squibb employees and others have participated in the Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer Ride to raise funds for the foundation.[19][20] They host an annual wine celebration.[21] The foundation hosts an annual Boo-Yah! event to honor the legacy of Stuart Scott.[22][23] Dick Vitale hosts an annual event to raise money and awareness for Childhood cancer.[24] The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has collaborated with ESPN to fundraise.[25]

Jimmy V Classic

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The Jimmy V Classic is an annual basketball game organized by ESPN Events to raise money for the V Foundation and awareness for cancer research.

Corporate and media support

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ESPN has supported the V Foundation through initiatives like the Tournament Challenge Marathon, a 24- to 25-hour programming event promoting bracketology during NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament while raising awareness and funds for cancer research.[26]

In March 2016, WWE partnered with The V Foundation.[27] Corporations, including Hooters, have partnered with the foundation to raise money.[28]

Public figures and athletes

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It has received support from public figures and sports professionals.[29] NHL captain Alex Ovechkin launched the “GR8 Chase for Victory Over Cancer” campaign, which ties his goal-scoring achievements to monetary donations for pediatric cancer research.[30][31] ESPN holds an annual V Week and has helped raise millions of dollars for the foundation.[32] In March 2021, Mat Ishbia donated $1 million to foundation.[33] Taylor Swift has donated $100,000.[24]

In 2024, the foundation and the Miami Dolphins Cancer Challenge (DCC) announced a fundraising partnership to support cancer research at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, with Serena Williams joining the collaboration.[34]

Fraternal and organizational

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In 2005, the Orange Krush Foundation presented the Jimmy V Foundation with a check for $50,000. The money represented the one-millionth dollar donated in the Orange Krush Foundation's eight-year existence.[35] In 2006, the fraternity Delta Chi named the V Foundation as its official philanthropic organization.[36] Delta Chi has raised over one million dollars for the V foundation.[36]

Awards and recognition

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The V Foundation recognizes different people for their courage and roles in cancer research.The foundation recognized Tylee Craft, a college football player, who inspired his football team and community after his diagnosis with cancer.[37] André Hoelz was awarded the Albert Wyrick V Scholar Award.[38]

Jimmy V Award

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The Jimmy V Award trophy, designed by sculptor Lawrence Nowlan,[39] is presented at the annual ESPY Awards ceremony in Los Angeles by The V Foundation.[40]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d Valvano, Nick (1999). "The V Foundation for Cancer Research". Neoplasia (New York, N.Y.). 1 (6). Archived from the original on 2025-03-05.
  2. ^ "V Week 2024: Donate now to support the V Foundation and fight cancer". ESPN.com. 2024-12-03. Retrieved 2025-03-16.
  3. ^ "About Our Cancer Research Foundation". V Foundation. Retrieved 2025-03-16.
  4. ^ Wojciechowski, Gene (1993-04-29). "Valvano Dies After Cancer Fight : College basketball: Former North Carolina State coach battled illness for last year. He was 47". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2025-03-16.
  5. ^ "John Saunders for Pediatric Cancer Research". V Foundation. Retrieved 2025-02-25.
  6. ^ Casey, Tim. "Battling Cancer, Dick Vitale Continues To Raise Millions And Eyes Return To Broadcasting". Forbes. Retrieved 2025-03-17.
  7. ^ Marks, Brendan (February 21, 2023). "Coach K's second act: raising funds, speaking gigs, Duke games on TV". The Athletic.
  8. ^ "The V Team | the V Foundation for Cancer Research". Archived from the original on 2016-11-05. Retrieved 2016-11-05.
  9. ^ "V Foundation: Nick Valvano steps down". ESPN.com. 2012-08-03. Retrieved 2025-03-16.
  10. ^ "Interview: Susan Braun, CEO of the V Foundation". 96.1 BBB. 2019-03-14. Retrieved 2025-03-16.
  11. ^ "V Foundation CEO and Iowa State alum shares insight on cancer research investments - News Service". www.news.iastate.edu. Retrieved 2025-03-16.
  12. ^ "In Depth: Jamie Valvano". spectrumlocalnews.com. Retrieved 2025-03-16.
  13. ^ "Scientific Advisory Committee Archives". V Foundation. Retrieved 2025-03-17.
  14. ^ "Our Cancer Research Grants". V Foundation. Retrieved 2025-03-17.
  15. ^ Lee, Steven (2024-12-02). "Two UT Health San Antonio scientists awarded V Foundation grants to advance innovative cancer research". UT Health San Antonio. Retrieved 2025-03-17.
  16. ^ Varine, Patrick (2021-02-11). "V Foundation grant goes toward children's cancer research at UPMC Children's". The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (Pittsburgh, PA).
  17. ^ "Shop Talk". Oncology Times. 47 (1): 40. 2025. doi:10.1097/01.COT.0001097320.21810.5d. ISSN 0276-2234.
  18. ^ "Eyler to Receive V Foundation Women Scientists Grant". Duke University School of Medicine. 2024-07-03. Retrieved 2025-03-17.
  19. ^ West, Cycling (2021-10-24). "Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer Riders Raise Over $1.67 Million for Cancer Research". Cycling West - Cycling Utah. Retrieved 2025-03-16.
  20. ^ Petrosky, Ava. "Villanova Alum Raises Nearly 225k for Cancer Research". The Villanovan. Retrieved 2025-03-17.
  21. ^ "Former ESPN president honored with Jimmy V Spirit Award at cancer fundraising event in Napa". ABC7 San Francisco. 2024-08-04. Retrieved 2025-03-17.
  22. ^ "V Foundation's 4th annual Boo-Yah! event honors legacy of ESPN sportscaster Stuart Scott". ABC7 New York. 2024-12-12. Retrieved 2025-03-17.
  23. ^ "Boo-Yah event in honor of Stuart Scott recognizes researcher fighting racial disparities in cancer". ABC11 Raleigh-Durham. 2024-11-26. Retrieved 2025-03-17.
  24. ^ a b Knight, Joey (May 17, 2014). "Dick Vitale holds annual fundraiser for pediatric cancer". Tampa Bay Times. Archived from the original on July 14, 2014. Retrieved July 30, 2014.
  25. ^ "UFC Fight Like Hell Night: Donate now to the V Foundation". ESPN.com. 2019-12-02. Retrieved 2025-03-17.
  26. ^ "ESPN's 24-hour bracket marathon features ties to Las Vegas, V Foundation". Sporting News. 2017-03-06. Archived from the original on May 2, 2017. Retrieved 2018-03-14.
  27. ^ "WWE forms tag team with V Foundation for cancer awareness". Associated Press. March 14, 2016. Retrieved March 20, 2016.
  28. ^ "Hooters Supports the Fight Against Breast Cancer by Raising $605,112 for the V Foundation". Hooters. Retrieved 2025-03-17.
  29. ^ "Tennessee Volunteers Basketball Players Use NIL Money to Donate to V Foundation". NIL Daily On SI. 2025-03-02. Retrieved 2025-03-17.
  30. ^ "Ovechkin launches 'The GR8 CHASE for Victory Over Cancer' | NHL.com". www.nhl.com. 2025-03-05. Retrieved 2025-03-16.
  31. ^ "Ovechkin aiding cancer research with each goal". ESPN.com. 2025-03-05. Retrieved 2025-03-16.
  32. ^ Manzo, John R. (2024-12-03). "ESPN & The V Foundation Announce 18th Annual V Week for Cancer Research". ESPN Press Room U.S. Retrieved 2025-03-17.
  33. ^ Ex-Michigan State hoops player donates $1 million to V Foundation
  34. ^ Sinha, Anki (2024-07-22). "Serena Williams Announces V Foundation and DCC's Commitment to Sylvester Cancer Research". InventUM. Retrieved 2025-03-17.
  35. ^ "Orange Krush Donates $50,000 to Jimmy V Foundation". University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. December 6, 2005. Archived from the original on January 6, 2014. Retrieved 5 January 2014.
  36. ^ a b "Delta Chi • V Foundation".
  37. ^ "Tylee Craft's Courageous Lung Cancer Journey". V Foundation. Retrieved October 13, 2024.
  38. ^ "André Hoelz, Ph.D." V Foundation. Retrieved 2025-03-17.
  39. ^ Avard, Christian (August 2, 2013). "Sculptor commissioned to complete Joe Frazier statue has died". Barre Montpelier Times Argus. Archived from the original on February 21, 2014. Retrieved January 21, 2018.
  40. ^ "V Foundation". ESPN. Archived from the original on December 18, 2016. Retrieved January 21, 2018.
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