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The V Foundation

Jim Valvano was a successful basketball coach and an award winning television commentator who was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 1992. In January of 1993, ESPN offered their support in establishing a foundation that would fund cancer research. Upon receiving the Arthur Ashe Courage and Humanitarian Award at the inaugural ESPY Awards show in March of that year, Jim announced that ESPN was creating The V Foundation for Cancer Research. The organization inspired by Jim Valvano's courageous battle with cancer would operate with his motto: "Don't give up… Don't ever give up!"®

Although Jim Valvano lost his battle with cancer on April 28, 1993, he had already set his dream of finding a cure for cancer into motion. Today, with the help of a nationwide network of volunteers, event planners, individual donors, and corporate sponsors, The V Foundation is active in all aspects of fundraising. National and local events, annual and major gift solicitations, planned giving and cause related marketing efforts all contribute to The Foundation's cause of funding cancer research. These efforts have raised more than $27 million, with 85 cents of all revenue designated for cancer research. This operating efficiency has allowed The V Foundation to award more than 170 grants to fund cancer research and research facilities nationwide.

Members of The V Foundation's all-volunteer Board of Directors and Scientific Review Committee also generously donate time, talent, recourses, and energy in support of The V Foundation's mission. These committed individuals from the world of business, medicine, sports, and entertainment share one common goal: to defeat cancer.

Jim Valvano knew that the Foundation could not save his life, but he hoped that "it could save my children's lives, or someone that you love." His dream of a cure is shared by millions.
     For more information on The V Foundation please visit their website below:

 

 

 

The V Foundation



 


Where does the money go?

The V Foundation seeks out promising young scientists from the finest research facilities across the country who need early developmental, critical-stage grant support. These V Scholars are the backbone of our research team. Additionally, the Translational-Clinical Grant Program advances research further, preparing to take it from the laboratories, and bridge into clinics and the hands of doctors treating patients. Finally, the Designated Grant Program aims specific monies toward specialized cancer interests, or perhaps to a precise geographical area, often the same as where the funding was generated.

Jim Valvano's Speech at the ESPY Awards