“She Didn’t Let Anything Dim Her Light”
How Clemson’s Dillon Hunter is inspired to play in the Jimmy V Classic after witnessing his mom’s cancer journey.
For Dillon Hunter, playing in the Jimmy V Men’s Basketball Classic is more than just a basketball game.
“It means the world to me,” Dillon said. “Everyone knows how important Madison Square Garden is to basketball and playing in that arena just feels special.”
Off the court, the game and opportunity carry a lot of meaning as well. The annual doubleheader hosted by ESPN supports the V Foundation for Cancer Research, one of the premier cancer research charities in the country. Founded by ESPN and legendary coach and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Jim Valvano in 1993, the V Foundation has awarded over $458 million in game-changing cancer research grants since that time.
Dillon, like many, has seen the impact in his family, making this game and the mission behind it personal.
“My mother was diagnosed with cancer about two years ago,” Dillon said. “Just knowing the treatment she had to go through and the struggles that cancer puts on families, it’s important that we put a lot of emphasis on the development of cancer treatments.”
Dillon remembers watching his mom go through her cancer journey and how hard of a time it was for their family. She underwent a year of treatment and today she is proudly cancer-free. He credits his mom’s faith and positive mindset to persevering through her journey, often calling her sons with a smile on her face even in the hardest times.
“Her being an athlete herself, she attacked it with a positive mindset,” Dillon said. “She didn’t let anything dim her light, just staying positive through the whole process.”
Her spirit continues to inspire Dillon every day.
“My mom has inspired me her whole life,” Dillon said. “Raising me and my brothers to the point we are at, all college athletes, just shows her resiliency. She fought. She never backed down from a challenge. She was positive – she showed me how to be positive in bad times and just keep a level head.”
100% of direct donations to the V Foundation go directly to innovative cancer research, funding the best and brightest scientists in North America. V Foundation-funded researchers are relentlessly pursuing Victory Over Cancer®.
“It’s amazing to see,” Dillon said. “Me being as one of my family members had to deal with this, I know how stressful it is on families. Allowing the V Foundation to put their best foot forward and show they really care about cancer treatment is really positive. I’m glad they are able to do that.”
