Tags: News|Press Release

The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, is recognizing Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month by increasing awareness of the disease and calling for more funds to support pediatric cancer research. Just four percent of federal cancer research funding is dedicated to pediatric cancer, and more than 15,000 new cases of cancer were diagnosed among children in 2018 (the most recently available National Cancer Institute data). The month-long campaign, in conjunction with long-time partners Dick Vitale and WWE®, highlights the critical need to fund research for children with cancer. Throughout September, the V Foundation will spotlight pediatric thrivers and the researchers who work tirelessly to stop childhood cancers. The V Foundation has funded nearly $50 million in research for pediatric cancer.

“Parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts and uncles – we all feel the pain of a child diagnosed with cancer,” said Susan Braun, CEO of the V Foundation. “And we all recognize the incredible power of hope. It is the excellent research into cures for pediatric cancer that fuels that hope. The V Foundation, with champion Dick Vitale, strives to make more of that life-saving research a reality until the disease is totally cured.”

Kicking off the month, Dick and Loraine Vitale will present the Annual Dick Vitale Gala, “Passion 4 Pediatrics,” virtually on September 4. Vitale is a champion for pediatric cancer research, raising nearly $30 million through his Gala for the pediatric fund in his name at the V Foundation. Private funding is critical to propelling research for the leading disease-related cause of death for American children over 1 year old. For more information or to participate in the Virtual Gala, please call the Mary Kenealy Events Gala Office at (941) 350-0580. To donate, visit v.org/donateforkids.

The V Foundation and WWE are in the fifth year of their partnership to raise money for pediatric cancer research through Connor’s Cure. During September, WWE is hosting the Connor’s Cure Superstar Challenge, a virtual challenge to honor Connor Michalek, an 8-year-old WWE fan who battled medulloblastoma, a rare tumor that affects the brain and spinal cord. No set distance or donation is required, and participants can run/walk anytime during the month. To learn more or to register, visit v.org/superstarchallenge. Additionally, to support children fighting cancer, WWE produced the “Support Tomorrow’s Superstars” campaign for pediatric patients undergoing treatment. To learn more about Connor’s Cure, visit v.org/connor.

Vitale and WWE have combined their efforts this year to fund three pediatric V Foundation Translational Grants totaling $1.8 million, with $900,000 being contributed by Vitale and WWE. Translational Grants are three-year awards of $600,000 total and support bench-to-bedside research. Two of the grants will fund studies related to DIPG, a universally fatal brain cancer, and the third grant will fund research for solid tumors in children.

“We are thrilled to team with Dick Vitale to help further critical research and studies that are necessary in the fight against pediatric cancer,” said Stephanie McMahon, WWE Chief Brand Officer. “Through WWE’s partnership with the V Foundation, and in honor of Connor Michalek, we are committed to continue helping find a cure and will not stop until we do.”

“Words cannot describe the excitement and joy I am feeling learning that Stephanie McMahon and her WWE team have united with us in providing funding that will play a vital role in battling pediatric cancer,” said Vitale. “It is simply amazing what they are doing to attack the cancers that have caused nightmares for many youngsters and their families. These grants are made possible by the generosity of WWE and the kindness and generosity of those who have donated to our Gala. We feel confident that these research grants will make a difference in the outcome for children with cancer.”

The V Foundation has proudly awarded more than $250 million for cutting-edge cancer research. The V Foundation holds a 4-star (highest) rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest evaluator of charities, and is among the top 3% of all charities evaluated. The V Foundation is a GuideStar platinum-rated charity.

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 Foundation has funded more than $250 million in cancer research grants nationwide. Event proceeds benefit cancer research funded by the V Foundation. The Foundation awards peer-reviewed grants through a competitive awards process strictly supervised by a Scientific Advisory Committee. For more information on the V Foundation or to make a donation, please visit v.org.

The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top rated cancer research charity, is pleased to observe National Cancer Survivors Month and celebrate the nearly 17 million survivors living in the United States. Research continues to provide earlier diagnoses and better treatment options, allowing more people to survive the disease and live in remission.

The number of cancer survivors is expected to grow to 20 million by 2026. The V Foundation, through the Robin Roberts Cancer Thrivership Fund, awards research grants focused on improving the lives of survivors. Cancer survivors’ long-term effects can include second cancers, organ dysfunction, neuropathy, reduced growth and development, decreased fertility, impaired cognitive function, autoimmune or inflammatory response and premature death.

“I am blessed to be one of the 17 million cancer survivors, or as I prefer to say, ‘thrivers’ in the United States,” said Robin Roberts, a longtime friend and board member of the V Foundation. “As we move beyond our cancer treatments, we are facing new health challenges. Focusing on healthier futures for cancer thrivers is vital. I look forward to the progress that will give us our best opportunity for a brighter tomorrow.”

In 2018, through the Robin Roberts Cancer Thrivership fund, the V Foundation awarded nine translational grants totaling $5.4 million to support “bench to bedside” research, which spans three areas related to cancer survivorship:

• Long-term effects of childhood cancer.  This research focuses on understanding chronic health issues in hopes of devising new ways to prevent, detect and treat them.
  
  
• Immunotherapy and survivorship.  Research in this area focuses on ways to predict who is likely to benefit most from immunotherapy to fight cancer and determine how to minimize the long-term side effects in survivors.
  
  
• Data to discovery. An in-depth exploration of research databases that contain millions of data points related to genes, cancer screening, clinical trials and life after cancer to find new discoveries to improve survivors’ quality of life.

“I am living proof that the advances made in cancer research have not only drastically increased the number of lives saved, but have also helped those battling this disease battle with grace,” said cancer thriver Marla Milone, diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2017. “The advancements in immunotherapy allowed me to live an active life while going through treatment. Now in remission, I am grateful for the continued research to minimize long-term side effects in survivors so we can continue to live life to the fullest.”

Examples of current research funded by the Robin Roberts Cancer Thrivership Fund include:

At St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Kevin Krull, Ph.D., through a $600,000 grant, is researching survivors of childhood leukemia who developed poor cognitive skills (e.g., attention, speed of thinking, reasoning) post-chemotherapy. The decrease in cognitive skills causes problems with school, work and peer interactions. Krull’s research will explore which survivors are at high risk and identify targets to prevent brain injury in future clinical trials. 

At The Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor, Maine, Ewelina Bolcun-Filas, Ph.D., was awarded a $200,000 grant to identify ways to preserve the eggs and ovaries of young girls during cancer therapy. Treatment of pediatric cancer is making great strides as cure rates have improved dramatically over the last 40 years; however, chemotherapy damages ovaries and lifetime egg supplies in up to 20 percent of young girls. Infertility is often an unfortunate consequence experienced among adults treated for cancer during childhood.

In addition to funding critical cancer research for survivors, the V Foundation’s new Thrivership program highlights cancer journeys, focusing on the impact funding cancer research has on real people. A “V thriver” is not only a survivor but an advocate for cancer research who inspires and empowers others on their cancer journey. If you know somebody to recognize as a thriver, encourage them to share their story at v.org/tell-us-story. The V Foundation has proudly awarded more than $225 million for cutting-edge cancer research. The V Foundation holds a 4-star (highest) rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest evaluator of charities, and is among the top 3% of all charities evaluated. The V Foundation is a GuideStar Platinum charity.

The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, and ESPN announce V for Victory, a one-hour television special hosted by ESPN’s Kevin Negandhi and Hannah Storm, on August 8 at 2:00 p.m. EST on ABC as part of the Wine Celebration’s 2020 virtual event. Now, more than ever, cancer patients and survivors need our help. V for Victory will shine a light on cancer survivor stories and the urgency to support cancer research during the COVID-19 pandemic and support the V Foundation’s mission to achieve Victory Over Cancer®.

“We’re delighted to present V for Victory as an inspirational component of this year’s virtual Wine Celebration,” said Julie Maples, Chairwoman of the V Foundation Wine Celebration and V Foundation Board Member. “Our sincerest gratitude goes to our founding partner, ESPN, for standing shoulder to shoulder with us as we take on – and defeat – cancer.”

Through feature storytelling and discussion, the special will highlight the power and hope of cancer survivor stories from the sports world and the critical nature of supporting cancer research in this moment. SportsCenter Anchor Hannah Storm and ESPN College Basketball Analyst Jay Bilas will be joined by award-winning journalist and Stand Up To Cancer Co-founder, Katie Couric, to conduct interviews with special guests.

“The V Foundation is a vital part of ESPN’s culture and is saving lives,” said Kerry Callahan, ESPN Producer of V for Victory. “The V for Victory show demonstrates ESPN’s commitment to generating awareness for the V Foundation and the V Scholar program, as these researchers are on the frontline.”

Elements within V for Victory will include:

• The stories of University of Minnesota football player Casey O’Brien, a 5-time cancer survivor; and Leah Still, former NFL player Devon Still’s daughter, who was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma in 2014 at the age of four.
• A reflection on the late Stuart Scott and the importance of the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund.
• An interview with Katie Couric and Dr. Bill Nelson, the head of the V Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Committee from Johns Hopkins.
• A discussion with Jay Bilas, Duke Men’s Basketball Coach Mike Krzyzewski and NBA Hall of Famer David Robinson on Jim Valvano, their time on the court together and their shared mission as V Foundation Board Members.
• A message from LeBron James to Leah Still congratulating her on 5-year cancer-free mark.
• ESPN CBB Analyst Dick Vitale’s own memories of Jim Valvano and why carrying on Jim’s mission through the V Foundation is so important.
• A musical performance by multi-platinum singer and songwriter Andy Grammer.

“Like elite athletes and sports stars, the best young cancer researchers have been sidelined briefly by the coronavirus epidemic,” said Nelson, Chair of the V Foundation Scientific Advisory Committee and Director of the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center. “Now, these innovative scientists are ready to get back into the game. With your support, the V Foundation can provide these V Scholars the funds they need for Victory Over Cancer®!”

V for Victory is a new element of this year’s V Foundation Wine Celebration. Since 1999, the V Foundation Wine Celebration has raised over $115 million for cancer research and related programs. The annual fundraising event in Napa Valley demonstrates that commitment, passion and giving become the catalysts for positive change. For registered guests of the virtual Wine Celebration, the event will be a fully immersive, digital experience featuring one-of-a-kind auction items, surprise celebrity and musical appearances, as well as the chance to raise a glass with fellow guests.

The Wine Celebration’s Fund-A-Need will raise critical dollars for V Scholar Grants awarded to innovative, young scientists. In addition to focusing on general research, V Scholar Grants have special areas of emphasis. Two areas of emphasis are pediatric cancer research and cancer disparities. Pediatric research is championed through the Dick Vitale Pediatric Cancer Research Fund. The Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund is a groundbreaking initiative that funds outstanding minority V Scholars and also research that explores the biology behind why some cancers are more likely to occur, more aggressive or harder to treat in some minority populations.

As COVID-19 has interrupted and delayed research while increasing expected costs for new labs, V Scholar funds become even more important to advancing research in all fields of cancer research.

The V Foundation has proudly awarded more than $250 million for cutting-edge cancer research. The V Foundation holds a 4-star (highest) rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest evaluator of charities, and is among the top 3% of all charities evaluated. The V Foundation is a GuideStar platinum-rated charity.

About ESPN

ESPN, Inc., is the world’s leading multinational, multimedia sports entertainment enterprise featuring a portfolio of more than 50 multimedia sports assets. It is comprised of nine U.S. 24-hour television networks (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNEWS, ESPNU, ESPN Classic, ESPN Deportes, Longhorn Network, SEC Network and the ACC Network; five with HD simulcast services – ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNEWS and ESPN Deportes). Other businesses include direct-to-consumer video service ESPN+, ESPN Audio (broadcast, satellite, digital, podcasts), an array of digital services (ESPN.com and many other sites, ESPN App, fantasy games and more), multi-screen ESPN3, ESPN International (26 networks, syndication, radio, digital), consumer products, ESPN Events and espnW. Based in Bristol, Conn., ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc., which is an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company. Hearst holds a 20 percent interest in ESPN.

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. Since 1993, the Foundation has funded more than $250 million in cancer research grants nationwide. Event proceeds benefit cancer research funded by the V Foundation. The Foundation awards peer-reviewed grants through a competitive awards process strictly supervised by a Scientific Advisory Committee. For more information on the V Foundation or to make a donation, please visit v.org.

The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, announced the third annual Victory Ride to Cure Cancer presented by Braswell Family Farms, a charity cycling event, will shift to a more personal experience throughout the month of August in order to adhere to North Carolina COVID-19 guidelines. The reimagined event will kick off July 30 with virtual opening ceremonies encouraging participants to join with their “Don’t Ever Give Up!” spirit to ride any distance, any time and any place during August, which provides riders a chance to participate safely.

“Though the pandemic has caused us to pivot our event plans, we are still coming together as a community with one shared goal – Victory Over Cancer®,” said Evan Morris, Director of Community Events. “We are excited to provide supporters around the country the opportunity to safely participate in the reimagined Victory Ride and raise vital funds for cancer research.”

With the shift to a more personalized format, the V Foundation encourages riders and teams to create their own “Victory Rides” and post images and videos on social media using #MYVICTORY and @TheVictoryRide, as well as join the Victory Ride’s Strava club to track their miles with other participants. Virtual closing ceremonies will take place on a future date with awards for most fundraising, most rides, most miles, most V spirit, most beautiful ride location and many more.

“We look forward to giving cyclists the opportunity to choose their own journey,” said Tim Nelson, Victory Ride Committee Member. “The newly reimagined ride provides so much flexibility – in the route, date and even funds raised. As an out-of-town participant, it’s a fantastic and safe alternative to a group ride. We can’t wait to see how Victory Riders participate!”

There is no registration fee for the reimagined ride. Any paid entry fees for 2020 will be applied to funds raised for each participant. If participants raise at least $250, they will receive complimentary registration for the 2021 Victory Ride. One hundred percent of rider-raised funds from the Victory Ride benefits Duke Cancer Institute, UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Wake Forest Baptist Health Comprehensive Cancer Center, as well as breakthrough cancer research nationwide.

In the first two years of the event, riders have raised nearly $500,000 the V Foundation for Cancer Research. For more information about the Victory Ride to Cure Cancer, please visit www.thevictoryride.org. Follow the Victory Ride on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @TheVictoryRide.

Dick Vitale and the V Foundation for Cancer Research will present the Annual Dick Vitale Gala, “Passion 4 Pediatrics”, virtually on Friday, September 4, 2020.  Honorees Bruce Arians, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Head Coach, Mark Few, Gonzaga University Head Basketball Coach, and ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith as well as Courage Award recipients Football Hall of Famer Jim Kelly and co-founder of the NBA’S Orlando Magic and Basketball Hall of Famer Pat Williams will be recognized for their personal, professional and philanthropic achievements.

The V Foundation for Cancer Research, Mary Kenealy Events , Dick and Lorraine Vitale and our loyal host hotel of 15 years, The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota, have been monitoring the status of COVID-19 in relation to the Gala.   The current health crisis mandates the very difficult decision that the Dick Vitale Gala will now be a 100% virtual event. The health and well-being of event attendees, our employees and volunteers is the number one priority; thus we cannot move forward with a live event at this time.

“Although we are saddened at being unable to be with Dick’s “All Courageous” in person, we look forward to being with our friends virtually for the annual Dick Vitale Gala,” said Susan Braun, CEO of the V Foundation.  “Dick and Lorraine and the team at Mary Kenealy Events have worked very hard to bring us all together this year and share their passion for funding life-saving research for kids with cancer.  We ask for your understanding and continued support!”

Vitale is a true champion for pediatric cancer research, raising nearly $30 million to date for the pediatric fund in his name at the V Foundation. Overall, the V Foundation has awarded nearly $50 million in pediatric research grants.  The need for more funding for research continues.  Just four percent of federal cancer research funding is dedicated to pediatric cancer. Private funding is critical to propelling research for this leading cause of death by disease in American children.

“In today’s world, virtual events have become the way of life due to COVID-19”, states Dick Vitale. “We are excited to provide so many virtually with a night to remember.  Everyone that experiences our Gala to help kids battling cancer will be moved to tears, to laughter and to thought, as Jimmy V said in his “Don’t Ever Give Up” speech that captivated so many.  More than ever, we need your help in raising dollars.  My wife and I receive numerous calls, emails and letters from parents with the life-changing news that their child has cancer.  Your donation may ultimately save someone you know, someone you love.”

Two pediatric cancer research grants will be given this year in memory of those that lost their battle with cancer. Best-selling author Mitch Albom will be a special guest of the event. A pediatric cancer research grant will be named in memory of Chika Jeune, for whom Albom was a guardian. She was born three days before the devastating earthquakes in Haiti and lived in an orphanage Albom operates in Port-au-Prince. At five years old, she was diagnosed with DIPG, an inoperable brain tumor, which began a two-year, around-the-world journey by Albom and his wife to find a cure.

In addition, a grant will be named in memory of Will DeGregorio, 11 years old, who passed away in June after a long battle with cancer.  Diagnosed at 3 years of age with adrenal cancer, Will underwent intensive chemotherapy and recovered.  The cancer returned four years later with two bouts of osteosarcoma requiring more chemotherapy and surgery.  The family was exploring additional treatment options and they had planned to attend the Dick Vitale Gala.

The 15^th Annual Dick Vitale Gala Virtual Experience will be available for subscribers to view and to support the mission to fund the most promising pediatric cancer research.  We look forward to providing a rich virtual event, raising critical funds for pediatric cancer research, this fall. For more information or to participate in the Virtual Gala, please call the Mary Kenealy Events Gala Office at (941) 350-0580. To donate towards pediatric cancer research, please visit www.v.org/donate4kids.

The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, and ESPN announce The 2020 ESPYS presented by Capital One will benefit cancer research funded through the V Foundation. The show, airing June 21 on ESPN at 9 p.m. EST and hosted by Russell Wilson, Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird, will highlight the impact of athletes, teams and industry professionals using sports to make a positive impact on society. The annual event also highlights the partnership between the V Foundation and its founding partner ESPN as they work together toward Victory Over Cancer®.

The sixth annual Sports Humanitarian Awards, sponsored by Bristol Myers Squibb, will be featured in ESPN programming throughout the week, and will benefit the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund. The Fund supports minority researchers or investigators studying cancer disparities among minorities. Overall, African American researchers are under-represented in the field of biomedical research. African Americans have the highest death rate and shortest length of survival of any racial ethnic group for most cancers. The Stuart Scott Fund seeks to address both of these disparities. This week, the V Foundation is proud to announce Bristol Myers Squibb has made an additional $1 million donation to the Stuart Scott Fund to support the work of African American V Scholars. With the addition of this new funding, more than $11 million will have been awarded through the Stuart Scott Fund. The V Foundation, ESPN and Bristol Myers Squibb encourage everyone to stand up against inequities and disparities in cancer by making a donation to the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund at v.org/stuartscott.

“We are proud of our continued partnership with ESPN and the V Foundation and of our collective efforts to progress cancer research and serve vulnerable patient communities,” said Adam Lenkowsky, General Manager and Head, U.S., Oncology, Immunology, Cardiovascular, Bristol Myers Squibb. “Now, more than ever, we need to continue our commitment to science and collaboration to better support minority scientists and researchers while addressing disparities in cancer care.”

The V Foundation’s story began at ESPN’s inaugural ESPY Awards in 1993. Jim Valvano, legendary basketball coach and ESPN commentator, received the Arthur Ashe Courage Award for his perseverance and positive outlook amidst his cancer diagnosis. During his inspirational speech, Jim announced the formation of the V Foundation. For 27 years, ESPN has partnered with the V Foundation to highlight the impact of funding life-saving cancer research.

Despite the different presentation of this two-hour, pre-taped special, some exciting features are planned for The 2020 ESPYS. In this extraordinary year, the show will reflect the unique challenges and triumphs of 2020. As in previous shows, ESPN will also celebrate the best of the year in sports through inspirational stories.

Because cancer patients and survivors are more vulnerable than ever during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is especially important that fundraising for research continue. Every day more than 1,600 people in the U.S. die from cancer. The ongoing support of ESPN and generous sponsors is critical to making scientific breakthroughs that give longer lives and a better quality of life to cancer patients.

“The V Foundation is always proud to be beneficiary of funds raised with the ESPYS,” said Susan Braun, Chief Executive Officer of the V Foundation. “And at this time, we are especially happy and humbled to be able to grant these funds to minority scientists as well as cancer researchers who are studying disparities in cancer.  We have long held that these inequities need resolution and have already put more than $10 million toward that goal; and now, we vow to continue to do all we can to change that.  ESPN was at the start of the Stuart Scott Fund with us, and Bristol Myers Squibb has stood with us in this endeavor.”

“ESPN is proud to continue its long-standing commitment in raising awareness and critical funds for the Stuart Scott Fund, and we can’t thank our corporate, foundation and league partners enough for continuing their support for minority cancer research,” said Kevin Martinez, Vice President of ESPN Corporate Citizenship. “This year’s programming will look different but will be equally inspiring. All week leading up to the ESPYS, we will be featuring the Sports Humanitarian Awards, which honor those that are using the power of sports to create change within their communities, with all of us coming together to support those in need through the V Foundation.”

The V Foundation has proudly awarded more than $250 million for cutting-edge cancer research. The V Foundation holds a 4-star (highest) rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest evaluator of charities, and is among the top 3% of all charities evaluated. The V Foundation is a GuideStar platinum-rated charity.

The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, announces the launch of its podcast, Voices for Victory, which brings an intimate and inspiring view of people dedicated to Victory Over Cancer^®. Each episode highlights those who have been touched by cancer or who are leading cutting-edge cancer research.

“Cancer can have devastating consequences,” said Susan Braun, CEO of the V Foundation. “But there are also silver linings that propel us forward. Voices for Victory brings to light the many stories that remind us how personal cancer is, how hard it is and why there are reasons for hope.”

In his famous ESPY Awards speech, Jim Valvano said it’s important to focus on three things: where you started, where you’ve been and where you’re going. With each guest, Voices for Victory explores those three things as they relate to cancer or cancer research. Guests have included NFL star defensive lineman Cam Heyward from the Pittsburgh Steelers, V Foundation CEO Susan Braun, V-funded researcher Jamie Spangler, Ph.D., and most recently, NBA superstar Kevin Durant.

Heyward and Durant discuss how cancer has left a personal mark on their lives, each having lost a close family member. Heyward recounts stories of his father, Craig, from how he got his “Ironhead” nickname to what it was like to lose him at such a young age to cancer. Durant also discusses losing someone early in his life to the disease. Aunt Pearl, whom Durant has honored for many years, left an indelible mark on Durant after she passed away from breast cancer, years before he became a basketball star. Both athletes talk about how their losses shaped them in their personal and professional lives.

Braun and Spangler speak about cancer research – how they got involved, the advances made and the support needed to defeat it. Braun, affected by the loss of a loved one early in her career, focused her energy and attention on making sure cancer research had the support it needed. Spangler, with a background in engineering, decided to use her skills to approach the disease in a unique way. Each guest brings a new voice to the V Foundation’s efforts to stop cancer.

“This podcast will allow us to showcase all the different voices that come together to move us closer to Victory Over Cancer^®,” said Mick McDonald, co-host of the show. “We’ll chat with researchers making waves with new treatments and prevention methods, survivors who share the highs and lows of their cancer journeys and those who’ve been motivated by losing a loved to one to use their platform to raise awareness and dollars for research. I’m delighted to be hosting the podcast and can’t wait to share more inspiring stories!”

Podcast episodes are released twice per month, and listeners can find new episodes at v.org/newsroom/podcast/  in addition to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Overcast, Podomatic and Google Play.

The V Foundation has proudly awarded more than $250 million for cutting-edge cancer research. The V Foundation holds a 4-star (highest) rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest evaluator of charities, and is among the top 3% of all charities evaluated. The V Foundation is a GuideStar platinum-rated charity.