Tags: Featured|News|Press Release

Event to Fund Cutting-Edge Pediatric Cancer Research

CARY, N.C. (April 12, 2021) – The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, and ESPN Hall of Fame Sportscaster Dick Vitale are pleased to announce an extensive list of celebrities that are scheduled to attend the 16^th Annual Dick Vitale Gala on May 7 at the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota in Florida. Each year, Vitale recruits the biggest names in sports and entertainment to his event. His goal is to raise the awareness and support needed to defeat pediatric cancer. Vitale is a true champion for the cause, raising over $37 million to date for the pediatric fund in his name at the V Foundation.

“We are excited and thrilled that our Gala will be live at the Ritz-Carlton Resort,” said Vitale. “We’ll have another magical evening fundraising to help kids battling cancer. Our many generous sponsors and sports celebrities have answered our call for support. For those who can’t make it in person, a donation can still be made at dickvitaleonline.com to support pediatric cancer research funded by the V Foundation.”

This year’s event will honor former University of Notre Dame Women’s Head Basketball Coach Muffet McGraw, University of Florida Head Football Coach Dan Mullen, Auburn University Men’s Head Basketball Coach Bruce Pearl and ESPN “SportsCenter” Anchor Scott Van Pelt. Vitale will also recognize ESPN Senior NFL Analyst Chris Mortensen with the V Foundation John Saunders Courage Award. Others scheduled to attend the Gala are ESPN “SportsCenter” Anchor Kevin Negandhi; Tampa Bay Buccaneers Head Coach Bruce Arians; former Notre Dame football coach and sports analyst Lou Holtz; Baylor Men’s Head Basketball Coach Scott Drew; professional aerialists, daredevils and acrobats Nik and Erendira Wallenda; ESPN “SportsCenter” Anchor Chris Berman; sports analyst and former professional basketball coach Mike Fratello; Emmy award-winning Fox 8 News Anchor Stefani Schaefer; retired Belmont University basketball coach Rick Byrd; former NFL player Todd Johnson; basketball Hall-of-Famer, co-founder of the NBA’s Orlando Magic and former general manager of the Philadelphia 76ers Pat Williams; former professional basketball player Marcus Liberty; former football cornerback for the San Diego Chargers and the Philadelphia Eagles Willie Clark; former Baltimore Ravens player Rob Robertson; former All-American Notre Dame basketball player Gary Brokaw; ESPN Play-by-Play Commentator Rich Hollenberg.

“Once again, Dick has assembled an amazing team from across the country to support pediatric cancer research,” said Shane Jacobson, chief executive officer of the V Foundation. “Our mission is to fund game-changing research that accelerates cures to cancer and saves lives. Our generous donors are increasing the odds that children survive this terrible disease, and I applaud Dick, his honorees and everyone who is joining in the fight against cancer.”

The mission of the Dick Vitale Gala is to raise funds for premier pediatric cancer research nationwide, through the V Foundation. Minimal federal cancer research funding is dedicated to pediatric cancer, making private funding crucial. To date, the V Foundation has awarded nearly $55 million in pediatric cancer research grants.

The V Foundation holds 10 consecutive 4-star (highest) ratings from Charity Navigator, America’s largest evaluator of charities, making the Foundation among the top 2% of all charities evaluated. The V Foundation is also a GuideStar Platinum-rated charity.

For more information about the 16^th Annual Dick Vitale Gala, please visit www.v.org/vitale. To purchase tickets, please call the Gala line at (941) 350-0580.

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 and ESPN commentator. The V Foundation has funded more than $260 million in game-changing cancer research grants nationwide through a competitive process strictly supervised by a world-class Scientific Advisory Committee. Event proceeds benefit cancer research funded by the V Foundation. The V team is committed to accelerating Victory Over Cancer®. To learn more, visit v.org.

Complimentary One-Year Annual Memberships Available for Thrivers and Their Supporters

CARY, NC (March 2, 2021) – The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, announces a new collaboration with MasterClass, the streaming platform where anyone can learn from the world’s best across a wide range of subjects. The initiative began in February in support of Black History Month. Through the V Foundation and in honor of V Foundation board member and MasterClass instructor Robin Roberts, the company is offering a limited number of one-year annual memberships to cancer patients, thrivers and their supporters. MasterClass is amplifying the work of V Foundation champion and friend Robin Roberts, a longtime cancer research advocate and supporter of thrivers, like herself, facing unique post-cancer health challenges.

In Roberts’ MasterClass, she teaches members how to communicate more effectively and authentically. With an annual membership, subscribers get unlimited access to all 100+ instructors across 11 categories. Cancer patients, survivors and their supporters can register for the complimentary one-year annual membership at v.org/masterclass.

“I have the pleasure of working with two incredible and innovative organizations who are focused on making the world a better place,” said Robin Roberts, anchor of ABC’s “Good Morning America,” V Foundation board member and MasterClass instructor. “Nothing is going to get you farther along than connecting with people. MasterClass is offering these memberships to thrivers and their loved ones, making connections when we need it most.”

There are currently 17 million cancer survivors in the U.S. The Robin Roberts Cancer Thrivership Fund supports research related to cancer survivorship spanning three areas:

1. Long-term effects of childhood cancer. People who have cancer during childhood face ongoing health issues that are often more serious and long-lasting than those faced by people who get cancer later in life. This research area focuses on understanding these chronic health conditions in hopes of devising new ways to prevent, detect and treat them.
2. Immunotherapy and survivorship. Immunotherapies – which use a patient’s immune system to fight cancer – can have fewer adverse effects than chemotherapy. Research in this area will focus on ways to predict who is likely to benefit most from immunotherapy and determine how to minimize long-term side effects in survivors.
3. Data to discovery. Hundreds of research databases exist that contain millions of data points related to genes, cancer screening, clinical trials and life after cancer. A deeper exploration of these rich data sources could yield new discoveries about the factors that contribute to long-term effects of cancer and cancer treatments and improve survivors’ quality of life.

“We are so excited for this initiative,” said Sherrie Mazur, vice president of communications and public affairs at the V Foundation. “Thrivers and their caretakers inspire us every day. Recognizing these special individuals with a MasterClass membership is a small way for us to celebrate them. We are grateful to Robin for her unmatched leadership and to MasterClass for providing an incredible resource for those fighting cancer.”

The V Foundation holds 10 consecutive 4-star (highest) ratings from Charity Navigator, America’s largest evaluator of charities, making the Foundation among the top 2% of all charities evaluated. The V Foundation is also a GuideStar platinum-rated charity.

For more information about the V Foundation, the Robin Roberts Thrivership Fund, the MasterClass collaboration or to donate, please visit v.org.

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 and ESPN commentator. The V Foundation has funded more than $260 million in game-changing cancer research grants nationwide 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 accelerating Victory Over Cancer®-. To learn more, visit v.org.

About MasterClass

Launched in 2015, MasterClass is the streaming platform where anyone can learn from the world’s best. With an annual membership, subscribers get unlimited access to 100+ instructors and classes across a wide range of subjects, including Arts & Entertainment, Business, Design & Style, Sports & Gaming, Writing and more. Step into Anna Wintour’s office, Ron Finley’s garden and Neil Gaiman’s writing retreat. Get inspired by RuPaul, perfect your pitch with Shonda Rhimes and discover your inner negotiator with Chris Voss. Each class features about 20 video lessons, at an average of 10 minutes per lesson. You can learn on your own terms—in bite-size pieces or in a single binge. Cinematic visuals and close-up, hands-on demonstrations make you feel like you’re one-on-one with the instructors, while the downloadable instructor guides help reinforce your learning. Stream thousands of lessons anywhere, anytime, on mobile, tablet, desktop, Apple TV®, Android™ TV, Amazon Fire TV® and Roku® players and devices.

Dick Vitale Continues as Champion of Research for Childhood Cancers

CARY, NC (February 4, 2021) – The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, is proud to announce it awarded over $5 million in 2020, and nearly $55 million to date, for pediatric cancer research through the Dick Vitale Pediatric Cancer Fund. Dick Vitale is a long-time V Foundation board member and a passionate advocate for pediatric cancer research.

“My team and I are very proud of raising dollars for research grants that will help kids battling cancer,” said Vitale. “It is something that I am totally obsessed with, and I will continue to work 24/7 to reach out to those who are able to donate, because many, many more dollars are needed in the battle against this dreaded disease.”

Dick and his wife, Lorraine, energetically focus their fundraising efforts year-round on stopping childhood cancers. The Vitales have hosted an annual gala in Sarasota, FL, for 15 years. In 2020, they broke their own fundraising record, ensuring even more critical pediatric cancer research is funded. They continue to look forward and plan big for 2021. The 16^th annual event has already seen three cars successfully raffled to support the cause – more than any other year. Vitale also donates proceeds from his online book sales and merchandise to the V Foundation. Beyond fundraising, Vitale also raises crucial awareness of the disease. As a sports icon, he is frequently heard telling stories of children affected by cancer during his broadcasts or posting to social media to gain even more support. His familiar phrases and unmatched energy have even landed him as an answer on a recent episode of the popular “Jeopardy!” game show.

“When it comes to champions for a cause, Dick is second to none,” said Shane Jacobson, chief executive officer of the V Foundation. “Along with Lorraine, the Vitales’ belief in the importance of pediatric cancer research occupies the intersection of passion, focus and mission. We are grateful for this longstanding and deeply meaningful partnership, and our team is better positioned to accelerate victory over cancer because of the Dick Vitale Pediatric Cancer Fund and those who support it.”

Cancer is the leading disease-related cause of death for American children over one year old. In 2020, nearly 17,000 children ages 0-19 were diagnosed with cancer, and nearly 2,000 children died of cancer. The positive news is there are more than 400,000 survivors of childhood cancer in the U.S., and cure rates for most pediatric cancers have improved dramatically over the last 30 to 40 years. Private organizations like the V Foundation have become a vital part of pediatric cancer research, as a very small portion of federal cancer research dollars are currently allocated to studying it.

“On July 1, 2020, I was blessed to have been declared cancer-free and ring that victory bell,” said Mikari Tarpley, actress, student and cancer Thriver. “As much as I thank God, my family and the hospital staff, it is also the work and funding towards cancer research that is the reason for my healing. Pediatric cancer funding and research saved my life, and with more time and dedication, it will save so many more. Hopefully one day, the world will be rid of childhood cancers and all other aggressive illnesses. But until then we will keep fighting… with a smile of course. I am eternally grateful to you, Mr. Dick Vitale, for your organization and all that you are doing for the little people like me. It is truly amazing.”

The V Foundation holds 10 consecutive 4-star (highest) ratings from Charity Navigator, America’s largest evaluator of charities, making the Foundation among the top 2% of all charities evaluated. The V Foundation is also a GuideStar platinum-rated charity.

For more information about the V Foundation, the Dick Vitale Pediatric Cancer Fund, the Vitale Gala or to donate, please visit v.org.

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 and ESPN commentator. The V Foundation has funded more than $260 million in game-changing cancer research grants nationwide 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 accelerating Victory Over Cancer®. To learn more, visit v.org.

All-Time Grant Total More Than $260 Million

CARY, NC (January 28, 2021) – The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, announces $10.3 million in grant funding for 2020. It was a year unlike any other, and that was reflected in the composition of the 42 grants awarded. Of significance, three Abeloff V Scholars tied for the highest grant score, and the Foundation expanded the V Clinical Scholar program, after a successful pilot program was initiated at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Total grant funding by the V Foundation has now surpassed $260 million.

“This year’s collection of V Foundation grants tackles the most vexing cancer problems confronting both adults and children, using technologies that push the state-of-the-art in order to change the game for these life-threatening diseases,” said William Nelson, M.D., Ph.D., chair of the V Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Committee. “In addition, support is directed at innovations in cancer ‘Thrivership’ and at promoting equity in cancer treatment. Even in the midst of a coronavirus pandemic, a new generation of V Scholars, the best and brightest of young cancer researchers, are prepared to ‘never give up’ in pursuit of new ways to improve cancer outcomes.”

The V Foundation awarded 18 V Scholar Grants in 2020. These grants are $200,000, paid over two years. V Scholar Grants advance innovative young scientists early in their research careers and provide them a competitive edge to earn additional funding from other sources. Three of the grants were funded through the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund, which was created to stop disparities. The V Scholars funded through the Stuart Scott Fund are from minority ethnic groups underrepresented in science. Additionally, the special designation of the Martin D. Abeloff Scholar Award, typically given to the single highest-rated V Scholar, was granted in 2020 to three scientists, all tied for the top spot.

“It is an incredible honor to receive a V Scholar Grant and the Martin D. Abeloff Scholar Award from the V Foundation,” said Sam McBrayer, Ph.D., assistant professor at Children’s Medical Center Research Institute at UT Southwestern. “The support provided by the V Foundation will be instrumental in advancing our efforts to test a promising new strategy to treat brain tumors. Unfortunately, there are few effective therapies available to brain tumor patients and my laboratory is dedicated to developing novel treatments for this disease. I am grateful for the opportunity to partner with the V Foundation to pursue our shared goal of achieving victory over cancer.”

To accelerate cancer treatment and cures, the V Foundation’s V Clinical Scholar program aims to nurture the careers of clinicians who will become leaders in developing programs of clinical trials based on hypothesis-driven research. This year, two candidates were chosen to receive a $200,000 grant, paid over two years. These recipients have a thorough knowledge of clinical trials and cancer biology. This program is distinct from the V Scholar program, which is for early investigators, many of whom are not engaged in clinical research.

The V Foundation awarded five Translational Grants in 2020. These grants fund projects that bring cancer research from the bench to the bedside. Translational Grants are $600,000 awards distributed over three years. Two top Translational Grants are named in honor of former V Foundation CEO Nick Valvano and former Scientific Advisory Committee Chair Robert Bast, M.D., to recognize their many years of service to the Foundation. In addition, three, three-year grants of $600,000 total were awarded through the Robin Roberts Thrivership Fund. This fund provides competitive grants for research into the biological basis and prevention of common long-term adverse effects experienced by survivors, such as second cancers, decreased fertility and premature death.

The V Foundation’s highly competitive grant-making process is overseen by the V Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Committee, made up of world-class researchers from leading cancer centers. This rigorous process ensures proposals meet the highest standards of scientific merit. The V Foundation holds 10 consecutive 4-star (highest) ratings from Charity Navigator, America’s largest evaluator of charities, making the Foundation among the top 2% of all charities evaluated. The V Foundation is also a GuideStar platinum-rated charity.

For more information about the V Foundation, its grants program, the Scientific Advisory Committee or to donate, please visit v.org. A complete list of the 2020 grant recipients can be found here.

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 and ESPN commentator. The V Foundation has funded more than $260 million in game-changing cancer research grants nationwide 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 accelerating Victory Over Cancer®. To learn more, visit v.org.

Two New Board Members and New Board Chair Kick Off 2021

The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, welcomes Matt Hong and Clark Kinlin to the Foundation’s Board of Directors and announces current board member Evan Goldberg as the new Board Chair. Goldberg will fill the role previously held by Steve Bornstein, who served as the Board Chair since 2014 and will remain a member of the Board. The V Foundation Board is comprised of prominent business leaders and journalists, award-winning athletes and coaches and distinguished physicians.

“It is one of life’s greatest honors and pleasures to work with the outstanding Board of Directors that we have at the V Foundation,” said Susan Braun, CEO of the V Foundation. “It would not be possible without extraordinary leaders. I believe Steve Bornstein is the kind of leader every board, company or team should have. He is incredibly intelligent, decisive, fair-minded and talented – with a heart of gold. Steve is truly an extraordinary individual. We are now blessed again with great leadership as Evan Goldberg takes on the role as Chair. Evan’s great passion for the mission combined with his strong business background and delightful personality will help him lead to even more success for the Foundation.”

Goldberg, a graduate of Harvard College, is the executive vice president of NetSuite at Oracle Corporation. He started his career at Oracle, ending as a vice president. Throughout his career, he has focused on making business technology more accessible to everyday users. He founded NetSuite with Larry Ellison in 1998. NetSuite went public in 2007 and was purchased by Oracle in 2016. In 2014, Goldberg started the BRCA Foundation to support research on certain genetic mutations in cancer. That effort has evolved into the BRCA Initiative at the V Foundation.

Kinlin, a Harvard Business School graduate, serves as member of Corning’s Management Committee and as president of Corning Optical Communications, the company’s largest operating unit. Over his 40-year career, he has consistently led operations in highly competitive technology and consumer businesses worldwide. He has 20 years of board experience, serving as an influential voice who drives strategy, governance and innovation.

Hong, an NC State University and Harvard Law School graduate, was the chief operating officer of Turner Sports until his retirement in 2019. During his 11 years at the company, Hong was instrumental in organizational advancements, including securing the original and current NCAA rights agreements, the current renewal of Turner’s partnership with the NBA, the acquisition of Bleacher Report and the acquisition of UEFA Champions League rights. In addition, Hong oversaw the growth and management of various sports businesses and properties including Bleacher Report; NBA TV and NBA Digital; NCAA Digital and March Madness Live; SI Digital; NASCAR.com; PGATOUR.com, PGA.com and PGA Championship Live; GOLF.com; and the B/R Live OTT offering.

The V Foundation Board of Directors provides guidance to ensure the sustainability and long-term effectiveness of the organization while upholding its core principles. Its leadership has contributed to the V Foundation’s consistency seen in the awarding of 10 consecutive 4-star (highest) ratings from Charity Navigator, America’s largest evaluator of charities. The V Foundation is among the top 2% of all charities evaluated. The V Foundation is also a GuideStar platinum-rated charity. For more information about the V Foundation and its mission, please visit v.org.

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 and ESPN commentator. The V Foundation has funded more than $250 million in game-changing cancer research grants nationwide 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 accelerating Victory Over Cancer®. To learn more, visit v.org.

Research to Benefit Both Human and Canine Cancer Patients

The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, has awarded three Comparative Oncology Research Consortium (CORC) grants of $500,000 each. The grants will fund cutting-edge canine comparative oncology research, a field of study designed to explore similarities and differences between human and canine cancers. Approximately 1 million dogs are treated for cancer in the U.S. annually. Because humans and dogs are 85% genetically similar, canine tumors can share multiple characteristics with human cancers, including responses to therapies. The goal of CORC is faster and less costly drug therapies, as well as better informed clinical trial designs for humans and dogs.

“The support from the V Foundation of the research efforts of the Comparative Oncology Research Consortium is invaluable in advancing improved approaches to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer in both human and canine patients,” said Michael Kastan, M.D., Ph.D., executive director of the Duke Cancer Institute and member of the V Foundation Board of Directors. “All three of these newly supported projects focus on stimulating the patient’s own immune system to fight against their cancer. Lessons learned can lead to new treatments for cancer patients on either two or four legs.”

Each V Foundation CORC grant has been awarded to a team that has a physician from an NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center and a researcher from a veterinary medical center. This game-changing approach can accelerate FDA approval of new technology, drugs, diagnostics and devices for the treatment of cancer, and it can facilitate a more precise use of the therapies already available, to improve human and canine patient outcomes.

“The Comparative Oncology Research Consortium is humbled by the V Foundation support for cancer research across all species,” said Rodney Page, director of Flint Animal Cancer Center at Colorado State University. “I am confident that these projects will provide meaningful discoveries and understanding.”

The investigators receiving grants are:

• Lead investigator Elizabeth Pluhar, Ph.D., D.V.M./V.M.D., from the University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine, alongside co-investigator, Michael Graner, Ph.D., from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. This team is exploring a novel treatment for canine tumors similar to glioblastomas, a universally fatal brain tumor. The treatment could help the immune system find and attack tumor cells.
• Lead investigator, Michael Verneris, M.D., from the University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, alongside co-investigator, Steven Dow, D.V.M., Ph.D., from Colorado State University, Department of Clinical Sciences.  Verneris and Dow are testing a new immune therapy to treat pet dogs with bone cancer. If the new treatments are shown to be safe and effective in dogs, these studies can then be rapidly expanded to trials in children with bone cancer.
• Lead investigator, Jessica Lawrence, D.V.M., from the University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine, alongside co-investigator, Daniel Vallera, Ph.D., from the University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center. Lawrence and Vallera are working to stop sarcomas, a cancer that affects bone and connective tissues. Lawrence’s team has developed a designer drug specifically for dogs that works to activate and direct immune cells to the sarcoma. The team will test the treatment plan in pet dogs with sarcomas and use the information to create a human designer drug to benefit people with sarcomas.

“It is an extraordinary honor to receive this award,” said Lawrence, one of the CORC grant recipients. “Dr. Vallera and I are very excited to contribute to the mission of achieving victory over cancer. We are deeply grateful for the remarkable opportunity to pursue innovative research using pet dogs with sarcomas to evaluate new treatments to improve outcomes. Our hope is that the support for this multidisciplinary, comparative oncology project will accelerate a groundbreaking approach that can be swiftly tailored to humans with sarcomas.”

The V Foundation holds 10 consecutive 4-star (highest) ratings from Charity Navigator, America’s largest evaluator of charities, and is among the top 2% of all charities evaluated. The V Foundation is a GuideStar platinum-rated charity. For more information about the V Foundation, its grants program, the Scientific Advisory Committee or to donate, please visit www.v.org.

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 and ESPN commentator. The V Foundation has funded more than $250 million in game-changing cancer research grants nationwide 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 accelerating Victory Over Cancer®. To learn more, visit v.org.

The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, alongside founding partner ESPN, announce Alpha Phi Alpha  will drive awareness and support for the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund. The fundraising initiative kicks off on December 4, the anniversary of Alpha Phi Alpha’s founding, and it wraps up on January 4, 2021, the anniversary of Stuart Scott’s passing. Scott, an Alpha Phi Alpha Brother, was committed to advancing cancer research. The month-long campaign called “Give and Go to Fight Cancer,” will encourage two important things: to give by making a donation to cancer research and to go schedule a cancer screening.

The Stuart Scott Fund Supports Minority Scientists and Research to Improve Cancer Disparities

The V Foundation and ESPN established the Stuart Scott Fund in memory of celebrated ESPN sportscaster Stuart Scott after he passed away in 2015. Stuart was a dedicated friend to the V Foundation and a champion for cancer research. He enrolled in a clinical trial during his own cancer journey and was especially driven to improve outcomes for African Americans and other minorities disproportionately affected by cancer. The V Foundation has awarded $10.5 million in grants through the Stuart Scott Fund, which supports minority scientists as well as research dedicated to cancer disparities experienced by minority populations.

“Alpha Phi Alpha is pleased to join the V Foundation in celebration of the legacy of our Brother Stuart Scott, who represented the defining qualities of an Alpha man,” said Brother General President Dr. Everett B. Ward. “His scholarship, leadership and service serves as a role model for all. Brother Scott’s courageous battle against cancer remains an inspirational call for us all. As the General President, I knew Brother Scott for many years, and I am honored to be a part of continuing his legacy as we help others. It is noteworthy that we are embarking on this journey together during the 114^th Anniversary Foundation of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.“

“Boo-yah” t-shirt sales support the Stuart Scott Fund

The “Give and Go to Fight Cancer” campaign encourages donations in multiples of $19.06, to highlight the 1906 establishment of Alpha Phi Alpha. Additionally, a special “Boo-yah” branded t-shirt is available to commemorate this collaboration, with $25 of every shirt sale benefiting the Stuart Scott Fund. T-shirts are available at v.org/aphia.

The funds raised through this initiative will support collaborative projects between scientists at National Cancer Institute-Designated Cancer Centers and Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

“When we started the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund five years ago, we were intentional in our strategy to raise funds and awareness for disparities in communities of color,” said Dereck Whittenburg, V Foundation Board Member and Associate Athletic Director for Community Relations and Student Support at NC State University. “We are off to a good start and will continue to work as a team to increase awareness for cancer disparities in our communities.”

The Alpha Phi Alpha Give and Go to Fight Cancer campaign will be announced December 4 on ESPN Radio’s weekday morning show “Keyshawn, JWill & Zubin,” with Keyshawn Johnson, Jay Williams and Zubin Mehenti as hosts.

“This initiative is a natural fit with Stuart Scott being the common denominator, and it’s an honor and privilege to do this in his name,” said Jay Harris, an ESPN “SportsCenter” Anchor. “We miss him every day, but we know this work, and the opportunity to help save others, is what he’d want us to do.”

Overall, the V Foundation has awarded more than $250 million for cutting-edge cancer research. The V Foundation holds 10 consecutive 4-star (highest) ratings from Charity Navigator, America’s largest evaluator of charities, and is among the top 2% of all charities evaluated. The V Foundation is a GuideStar platinum-rated charity.

For more information about the V Foundation and the “Give and Go to Fight Cancer” campaign with Alpha Phi Alpha, or to make a donation, please visit v.org/aphia.

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 and ESPN commentator. The V Foundation has funded more than $250 million in game-changing cancer research grants nationwide 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 accelerating Victory Over Cancer®. To learn more, visit v.org.

ESPN Corporate Citizenship

ESPN believes that, at its very best, sports uplifts the human spirit. Its corporate citizenship programs use power of sport to positively address society’s needs through strategic community investments, cause marketing programs, collaboration with sports organizations and employee volunteerism, while also utilizing its diverse media assets. For more information go to www.espn.com/citizenship.

About Alpha Phi Alpha:

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., headquartered in Baltimore, MD, was founded on December 4, 1906 at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. The Fraternity has long stood at the forefront of the African-American community’s fight for civil rights through Alpha men such as Martin Luther King, Jr., Adam Clayton Powell, Thurgood Marshall, Paul Robeson, Andrew Young, Edward Brooke and Cornel West. The fraternity, through its more than 720 college and alumni chapters and general-organization members, serves communities in the United States, Canada, Africa, Europe, Asia and the Caribbean. Visit apa1906.net and follow on Twitter @apa1906network.