V Foundation funded cancer research has had a proven positive impact over time. V Foundation funded researchers, throughout their careers, have been connected to nearly 1,100 clinical trials and generated $22 billion in additional cancer research funding.
Cancer research is changing the game. Today, there are 18.1 million cancer survivors in the U.S. That number is expected to rise to 22.1 million by 2030. These advancements are only possible because of research.
The V Foundation has awarded over $458 million in cancer research grants since Jim Valvano took the stage at the 1993 ESPYS. The V Foundation has funded 1,423 grantees who are working on more targeted therapies and the treatments of the future. We fund the best of the best. And more support is needed as cancer continues to be the second-leading cause of death in the United States.
Jim’s 1993 ESPYS Speech
About V Week
The V Foundation was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary NC State basketball coach and ESPN commentator. ESPN’s V Week utilizes the worldwide leader in sports’ premier platforms to raise awareness and critical funds among sports fans about the importance of cancer research.
V Week presented by Principal® begins on Giving Tuesday, December 2, and runs through Sunday, December 14. Team up with us and double your impact as we come together with one goal – achieve Victory Over Cancer®.
Jimmy V Classic
This year’s Jimmy V Classic will feature a handful of the best programs across men’s and women’s college basketball. Named for legendary college men’s basketball coach and former ESPN commentator Jim Valvano, the event annually raises money and awareness for the V Foundation for Cancer Research, which was founded by Valvano in 1993 to fund game-changing cancer research and scientists to eradicate the disease.
The men’s classic began in 1995, and the women’s event debuted in 2002. Both events are part of ESPN’s V Week, which utilizes platforms to provide messaging to sports fans about the importance of cancer research.
Key V Week Programming Events
Tuesday, December 2
Giving Tuesday
Wednesday, December 3
Roadblock of Jim’s Speech – 7 p.m. across all ESPN Platforms
Tuesday, December 9
Men’s Jimmy V Classic – Clemson vs BYU (6:30 p.m. ET) and Florida vs UConn (9 p.m. ET)
Wednesday, December 10
30 for 30 Premiere: Stuart Scott and Women’s Jimmy V Classic – Iowa vs Iowa State
Saturday, December 13
UFC Fight Like Hell Night
Running with Purpose
For Ali Cogswell, crossing the finish line at the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon as a member of “Team V” was part of a journey that began more than a year ago from an unexpected place: a breast cancer diagnosis at age 28.
“She Didn’t Let Anything Dim Her Light”
For Clemson’s Dillon Hunter, playing in the Jimmy V Men’s Basketball Classic is more than just a basketball game. His mom’s cancer journey inspires him every day.
Elijah Randolph: An Unlikely Diagnosis, Uno and Basketball
For the Randolph family, Jim’s 1993 ESPYS speech served as a motivational rallying cry through Elijah’s journey with childhood cancer.
My Cause, My Cleats
Kelee Ringo, Philadelphia Eagles
In conjunction with the NFL’s My Cause, My Cleats initiative, Kelee Ringo of the Philadelphia Eagles will dedicate his cleats to the V Foundation for Cancer Research to show his commitment to accelerating Victory Over Cancer®. Ringo’s passion for cancer research began when his mother, Tralee, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Now, Kelee and Tralee are leveraging Kelee’s platform and Tralee’s powerful story to raise awareness and funds for game-changing cancer research, including efforts specifically focused on improving outcomes for disparities in cancer research and care.
BOO-YAH!
V Foundation for Cancer Research Boo-Yah is a unique event that makes a significant impact on racial disparities in cancer outcomes by funding grants through the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund. Guests will honor the 10-year anniversary of Stuart Scott’s ESPYS speech while enjoying a vintner reception of the best wines from Northern California, cheer on teams at the Jimmy V Classic, learn about the great work of the V Foundation grantees and have the chance to win one-of-a-kind auction experiences with an after party to follow.
Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund
The V Foundation and ESPN established the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund in memory of beloved ESPN sportscaster Stuart Scott after he passed away in 2015. Stuart was a champion for cancer research and was especially driven to improve outcomes for African Americans and underserved communities disproportionately affected by the disease.
