V Foundation Grants
A $500,000 grant from the Cancer Vaccine Coalition, in partnership with The V Foundation, will expand UW Medicine’s WOKVAC clinical trial, one of the most advanced breast cancer vaccine trials in the world
The New York Times’ The Athletic recently published a feature story about Jim Valvano’s iconic ESPYS Speech that launched the V Foundation for Cancer Research. The story talks with professors who share the speech is a masterclass in public speaking.
Below are a few paragraphs from the article. The full story can be read here.
One day earlier this summer, Allison Shapira pulled up a video she’d never seen before and hit play.
On the screen was Jim Valvano, the legendary basketball coach from North Carolina State, affectionately known as Jimmy V, standing on stage at the 1993 ESPY Awards. Valvano was there to accept the inaugural Arthur Ashe Courage Award and announce the creation of the V Foundation for Cancer Research. He wore a black tux and a big smile and delivered one of the most powerful speeches in sports history.
NAPA VALLEY, CA (August 4, 2025) – The V Foundation for Cancer Research announced its annual V Foundation for Cancer Research Wine Celebration, held July 31 – August 3 in Napa Valley, raised $12.3 million for game-changing cancer research. Now in its 27th year, the Wine Celebration has raised over $180 million to accelerate Victory Over Cancer® and save lives. This event was proudly presented by John Anthony Family of Wines.
Cary, N.C. (July 22, 2025) – The V Foundation for Cancer Research today announced that Clark Kinlin has been appointed Interim CEO by its Board of Directors as current CEO Shane Jacobson joins the American Cancer Society to become its CEO. Kinlin has served on the V Foundation Board of Directors for over four years, and the retired President of Corning Optical Communications has deep knowledge of the organization, its operation, and strategic goals. Kinlin will serve as Interim CEO as the V Foundation Board of Directors conducts a nationwide search for its new CEO.
Aligns with Growth in Cancer Research Grants Provided
EDMONTON/NEW YORK/TORONTO (June 4, 2025): The National Hockey League (NHL), National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA), and the V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated charity dedicated to funding innovative cancer research, are proud to announce that $8.2 million was raised during the 2024-25 season, which is double the amount from the previous year, for Hockey Fights Cancer™ powered by the V Foundation presented by AstraZeneca.
Cary, NC (May 9, 2025) – The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer charity, announced an exciting partnership with Cancer Vaccine Coalition (CVC), a groundbreaking non-profit focused on advancing cancer vaccines. The partnership will fund clinical trials for therapeutic breast cancer vaccines, which are emerging as an innovative and targeted treatment option.
For the V Foundation’s Dick Vitale Pediatric Cancer Research Fund
March 31, 2025, Napa, CA — The fourth annual V Foundation for Cancer Research Sonoma Epicurean weekend, hosted March 27-30 in Sonoma County, raised over $3 million. These funds will support game-changing research at top cancer centers across North America, with 100% of event proceeds directly benefiting cancer research.
Ovechkin, the Washington Capitals, Hockey Fights Cancer™ and the V Foundation for Cancer Research are Partnering to Raise Funds for Pediatric Cancer Research
Cary, NC (February 5, 2025) The V Foundation for Cancer Research celebrated a fundraising milestone in 2024, achieving over $540,000 raised in a single year from its “Team V” endurance sports program. These funds will benefit lifesaving cancer research at top institutions across North America. This brings Team V’s total to $4.8 million raised since its start in 2014 through endurance sports events such as Abbott World Marathon Majors, triathlons, and other races around the nation.
[Cary, NC] – The V Foundation for Cancer Research, in partnership with Emergency Technical Decon (ETD) and Emergent, proudly announce the official launch of the Turnout for Firefighters Cancer Research Fund on January 22, 2025, coinciding with Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month. This initiative is dedicated to addressing the increased cancer risk firefighters face due to carcinogen exposure in the line of duty.
