A Monthly Gift, A Lasting Legacy
For Maggie Behnke, supporting the V Foundation for Cancer Research is deeply personal. It is a way to honor the memory of her dad, support her loved ones who have battled cancer, and help create a future where families, just like hers, have more memories together.
A Commitment to Giving
Maggie and her husband, Dustin, decided early in their marriage that charitable giving would become part of their family budget. With several of their close family members personally impacted by cancer – including Maggie’s dad and Dustin’s grandmother – advancing cancer research was an immediate priority.
Dustin knew about the V Foundation and its mission through ESPN. As they researched further and learned about its commitment to awarding 100% of direct donations to cancer research, the connection felt right.
“We knew 100% of our donations were going directly to research. Not that administration is not also important, but it felt more impactful since that portion was covered by an endowment,” Maggie said.
On January 19, 2014, they made their first monthly gift. It was a date that carried special significance – one day before the first anniversary of her dad’s passing from pancreatic cancer.
More than 12 years later, Maggie and Dustin continue to give each month as V Foundation MVPs.
“With the monthly donation, our philosophy is that it would be the most impactful way to give. The V Foundation could rely on this recurring donation every month consistently,” explained Maggie.
This commitment is more than just supporting an organization. It’s about carrying forward the legacy of their families and investing in a bright future for their young children.
Honoring A Great Father and Coach
Maggie’s dad was an educator, coach, and avid sports fan. Baseball was his passion, dating back to his college years, when he traveled with the University of Texas baseball team as their equipment manager. Later, he coached a range of sports both professionally and for his children’s teams: baseball, football, basketball and more.
When Maggie found a passion for golf, he was beside her for every swing.
“He was always there, observing and coaching, showing me where to improve. He read books from golf coaches to help me.”
Her dad’s mentality – as a parent, a coach and a cancer fighter – exemplified the words of Jim Valvano from the ESPYS stage in 1993: “Don’t Give Up . . . Don’t Ever Give Up!” The idea of refusing to give up, continuing to push forward and believing in what’s still possible reminds her of her father.
And while she cannot change the outcome of his cancer, Maggie’s family is dedicated to changing the future of cancer research and care.
Advancing Innovative Research
Her father’s pancreatic cancer was rare, one of only three cases his oncologist, the head of the Gastroenterology Department at MD Anderson Cancer Center at the time, had seen in his career, and the limited treatment options caused severe side effects. His doctor advocated to explore alternative treatments typically used for other cancers, a change that significantly improved her father’s quality of life.
That experience showed Maggie first-hand why research and innovation matter so much.
“You may crash and burn thinking outside the box, but also it may be what is needed,” she said.
It’s one reason Maggie is particularly inspired by scientists who try innovative approaches, challenge conventional thinking, and search for answers for cancers that remain difficult to treat.
Since her dad’s passing, cancer has continued to touch both Maggie and Dustin’s families. Her mother is now a breast cancer thriver, and numerous other of their aunts, uncles, and cousins have faced diagnoses. Those experiences have shaped Maggie’s definition of Victory Over Cancer.
“It’s more than just surviving it,” Maggie said. “It’s really thriving after a diagnosis. Reaching remission and being able to not worry about it.”
That is the future Maggie hopes her monthly giving as part of the V Foundation MVP donor program can help build: one where cancer patients have more options, better treatments and the opportunity to return fully to the lives they love.
And every month, their gift is a reminder of where that hope began. With her dad. With Dustin’s grandmother. And now, for all the people they’ve loved along the way.
Maggie and Dustin are honoring all those who have faced this disease, while also working toward answers to cancer’s toughest questions. They are creating a brighter future for their own children and for many generations to come.
