Next Generation of Leaders Accelerate Victory Over Cancer® with $280,000 Raised at Victory Gala in NYC
NEW YORK, NY (May 21, 2026) - The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, announced that more than $280,000 was raised at the 4th Annual Victory Gala. The event was hosted by its NextGen Committee, a community of emerging leaders dedicated to inspiring a new wave of supporters to fund game-changing research. Held at Gotham Hall in New York City, the gala brought together hundreds of young professionals to accelerate Victory Over Cancer® and save lives.
The Victory Gala is a premier gathering for supporters committed to fueling cancer research, showcasing the V Foundation’s growing impact with the next generation in New York City and beyond. Since its inception, the event has raised over $400,000 for the V Foundation.
“The Victory Gala is a testament to the power of this new generation of philanthropists,” said Nancy Major, M.D., V Foundation Board Member. “By funding the most promising scientists, we ensure the momentum of this evening translates into tangible breakthroughs for patients.”
The evening featured remarks from Marla Turco, founder of the Gala and a Hodgkin’s lymphoma survivor. Turco’s journey with the V Foundation began at the New York Athletic Club in 2018, where she heard former ESPN President and V Foundation Board Member George Bodenheimer speak on the urgent need for research. Inspired by her own experience as a cancer thriver and the innovation that helped save her life, she mobilized her peers to support the mission.
“I am truly honored to lead the NextGen Committee in organizing this gala and to see this group unite behind such a critical mission,” said Turco. “Facing cancer is a terrifying experience, but knowing there is a community dedicated to funding the research that saved my life makes all the difference. The Victory Gala is our way of ensuring the next generation of scientists have the resources to drive progress.”
Turco is joined on the committee by passionate leaders, including Sydni and Taelor Scott, daughters of the late legendary ESPN anchor Stuart Scott, who continue their father’s legacy of advocacy through their work with the V Foundation.
Dedicated to empowering scientists who are leading cutting-edge research, the V Foundation for Cancer Research has made a tangible impact across the nation and locally to fund high-risk, high-reward research. The V Foundation has awarded 121 grants totaling over $47 million to researchers in the New York City region alone, with 100% of direct donations going directly to cancer research.
To learn more about the Victory Gala or to get involved, visit victorygala.org or email [email protected]. To learn more about the V Foundation, visit v.org.
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About the V Foundation for Cancer Research
The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State University basketball coach, ESPN commentator and member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The V Foundation has funded over $458 million in game-changing cancer research grants in North America through a competitive process strictly supervised by a world-class Scientific Advisory Committee. Because the V Foundation has an endowment to cover administrative expenses, 100% of direct donations is awarded to cancer research and programs. The V team is committed to funding the best scientists to accelerate Victory Over Cancer® and save lives. To learn more, visit v.org.
Media Contact:
Alexandra Paterson
the V Foundation for Cancer Research
[email protected]