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The V Foundation for Cancer Research Announces Routes for Second Annual Victory Ride to Cure Cancer

The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, is excited to announce all new routes for the second annual Victory Ride to Cure Cancer on May 18. In addition to the 30-, 60- and 100-miles routes, the V Foundation has added a 10-mile route to host a more accessible event. Each route begins in the heart of NC State University’s Centennial Campus, heading south towards the open roads. Depending on mileage chosen, routes pass through Lake Wheeler, Jordan Lake, Harris Lake and Lake Johnson, all ending with a post-ride celebration including food, drinks and music.

“We are excited to roll out the new routes and a kid’s bicycle obstacle course for 2019. These additions give every member of the community a chance to participate, no matter what your ride experience is,” said Evan Morris, Director of Community Events for the V Foundation. “This is an exciting way to help raise funds for the country’s most cutting-edge cancer research, and it’s great to know that a majority of funds stay right here in North Carolina.”

All riders are asked to fundraise $250 to help achieve Victory Over Cancer®. One hundred percent of rider-raised funds will go directly to cancer research. Following the ride, cyclists and spectators will be greeted with food trucks and a beer garden. The Victory Ride is also offering a virtual ride option for those who prefer a stationary bike or cannot make it out on ride day. The Victory Ride benefits Duke Cancer Institute, UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and Wake Forest Baptist Health Comprehensive Cancer Center, as well as breakthrough cancer research nationwide.

“I am very excited about the new routes for the upcoming Victory Ride,” said Jon Flaherty, Victory Ride committee member and ride participant. “The Victory Ride staff reached out to multiple, long-time cyclists and current cycling team members to provide direct input on the final routes. As a result, the routes are cycling friendly, with some beautiful country roads and lake views. While several of the roads will be very familiar to many of the local cyclists, others will be new areas to explore.”

The V Foundation’s events raise millions of dollars every year and are vital to research funding. These include the Wine Celebration, the Dick Vitale Gala, Virginia Vine and the Victory Ride to Cure Cancer. At the inaugural Victory Ride, riders raised more than $200,000 for cancer research in North Carolina. The V Foundation has 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 4% of cancer charities evaluated. The V Foundation is a GuideStar platinum-rated charity.

For more information about the Victory Ride or to register for the ride, please visit www.thevictoryride.org. Follow the Victory Ride on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram via @TheVictoryRide and #TheVictoryRide.

The V Foundation Announces Ninth Consecutive 4-Star Rating from Charity Navigator

The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, is excited to announce, for the ninth year in a row, a 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest evaluator of charities. A 4-Star rating is the highest possible rating, indicating the V Foundation adheres to sector best practices and is financially efficient as it works toward Victory Over Cancer®.

“The V Foundation has always maintained transparency and financial integrity as top priorities,” said Jefferson Parker, Chief Operating Officer of the V Foundation. “We believe that earning donors’ trust is critical to our goal of ending cancer by increasing our ability to fund important research.”

The V Foundation awards 100% of direction donations to cancer research and programs. Its endowment covers administrative expenses. The 4-Star designation from Charity Navigator sets the V Foundation apart from its peers and demonstrates to the public its trustworthiness. Donors can be more confident that in supporting a highly-rated charity by Charity Navigator, they will be supporting organizations that are more financially healthy, accountable and transparent. Only 3% of the charities Charity Navigator evaluates have received at least nine consecutive 4-Star evaluations, indicating the V Foundation consistently ranks among the top charities in America.

“Our Board of Directors is extremely pleased to be awarded this rating by Charity Navigator,” said Connie Skidmore, a V Foundation Board Member. “The efforts by our strong management team, as well as support by our many volunteers, have contributed to our ability to effectively and efficiently use donor funds to further our goal of finding cures for cancer. We will continue to strive to operate a best-in-class organization, knowing that our family of donors, grant recipients and supporters rely on our success.”

The V Foundation has proudly awarded more than $225 million for cutting-edge cancer research. In addition to a 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator, the V Foundation is a GuideStar platinum-rated charity.

V Foundation Announces Translational Grant Awarded in Partnership with Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Research Foundation

The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, is excited to announce a $600,000 grant has been awarded to Leonard Zon, M.D., at Boston Children’s Hospital, in partnership with the Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Research Foundation (ACCRF). Zon is evaluating a treatment for a salivary gland cancer, adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC).

”We are thrilled to team up with the V Foundation to find improved therapies for a patient population with a difficult prognosis and no approved drugs,” said Jeffrey Kaufman, Executive Director of ACCRF. “Without the support of the V Foundation, this innovative and promising attempt to repurpose an already-approved generic drug simply wouldn’t be happening.”

The Translational Grant is a three-year grant of $200,000 per year. These grants support “bench to bedside” research, whose endpoint is often planning or initiation of a clinical trial. Zon recently found retinoic acid treatment reduces the growth of adenoid cystic carcinomas. Retinoic acid has the ability to shut down the cause of the cancer, which is due to the overactivity of a gene called c-myb. Zon and his team will examine whether retinoic acid, which has been successfully given to patients with a rare type of leukemia, is active in the tumor and whether the growth of the tumor is reduced. Zon’s studies have the possibility of finding the first treatment for this metastatic tumor.

“As a physician-scientist, my goal is to move our basic research to improve the lives of patients,” said Zon. “We look forward to translating our discovery in the zebrafish model that found a drug (retinoic acid) that shuts down the oncogene (myb) in adenoid cystic carcinoma. We thank the V Foundation for the wonderful support and opportunity to work with us to help our patients.”

ACCRF was founded in 2005 to jumpstart a global, cutting-edge research effort for ACC research. Since then, they have awarded $13 million dollars for basic, translational and clinical research geared towards finding better therapies for ACC patients. ACC is a cancer that arises within secretory glands, typically originating in the head and neck region. ACCRF-affiliated researchers are undertaking extensive studies to understand how to interfere with the molecular pathways that permit myb to spur tumor growth.

“Dr. Zon’s research could have significant impact on the thousands of patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma,” said Carole Wegner, Ph.D., HCLD, Sr. Vice President of Research and Grants Administration for the V Foundation. “We are excited to partner with ACCRF and hope that this research could help create an effective therapy to target this disease.”

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.

About the Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Research Foundation (ACCRF) ACCRF was founded by patients in 2005 to accelerate the development of improved therapies and a cure for a rare cancer of secretory glands. The foundation coordinates and facilitates a research agenda that spans biobanking, model development, genomics, drug discovery, preclinical drug screening and clinical trial design. For more information on ACCRF or to make a donation, please visit www.accrf.org.

Chris Fowler, Avery Johnson and Dabo Swinney to be Honored at 14th Annual Dick Vitale Gala

The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, and ESPN Hall of Fame Sportscaster Dick Vitale are pleased to announce the 14th Annual Dick Vitale Gala will be held on May 10 at the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota in Florida. Vitale is a true champion for pediatric cancer research, evidenced by his Gala raising $25 million to date. This year’s event will honor ESPN broadcaster Chris Fowler, University of Alabama Men’s Basketball Head Coach Avery Johnson and Clemson University Football Head Coach Dabo Swinney. Additionally, Tyler Trent will be honored through a grant made in his memory.

“Once again, we have put together a superstar group of honorees,” said Vitale. “How lucky we are that we will have Coach Swinney, Coach Johnson and ESPN’s Chris Fowler. I’m also excited to keep the spirit and memory of John Saunders alive through the John Saunders V Foundation Courage Award, which will go to two very special guests.”

Recruiting some of the biggest names in sports to his event each year, Vitale continues to build the support needed to defeat pediatric cancer. 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. Vitale leads the V Foundation’s pediatric cancer research initiative with this annual Gala. Last year, Vitale’s event raised $3.7 million and inspired countless others to support the cause. The V Foundation has awarded $40 million in pediatric research grants.

This year, Vitale and the V Foundation are excited to honor three notable sports figures. Fowler, a leading ESPN broadcaster, is one of the most respected play-by-play commentators in television, appearing on many of ESPN’s marquee properties, primarily in college football and Grand Slam tennis. Johnson is a well-respected college coach, former ESPN analyst and decorated NBA coach and player. He led the San Antonio Spurs to the 1999 NBA title and was the 2006 NBA Coach of the Year. Losing both of his parents to cancer, Johnson is a long-time fundraiser and supporter of cancer research. Swinney, who recently led Clemson to its second college football national championship with a 15-0 season, fiercely advocates for breast cancer after losing his sister-in-law to the disease.

“The room will be alive with the passion to achieve Victory Over Cancer®,” said Susan Braun, CEO of the V Foundation. “So many advocates, supporters, fans and loved ones come together at the Vitale Gala to raise funds for pediatric cancer research. Children’s cancer is a tough opponent, and together we will beat it! Many thanks to the honorees and to Dick and Lorraine Vitale for making it happen!”

In addition to honoring his All-Star team of cancer patients, Vitale will recognize two special guests with the John Saunders V Foundation Courage Award. ESPN sideline reporter Holly Rowe and ESPN analyst and longtime college football coach Lee Corso will be this year’s honorees. This award is given to inspirational individuals using their voice to raise awareness and funding for cancer research.

For more information about the 14th Annual Dick Vitale Gala, please visit www.jimmyv.org/vitale. To purchase tickets, please call the Gala line at 941-350-0580.

The V Foundation Announces Partnership with SAGERSTRONG Foundation to Fund Cancer Research in Memory of Craig Sager

The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, is excited to announce a partnership with the SAGERSTRONG Foundation, Inc., in memory of Craig Sager, to fund research related to blood cancers. Through the partnership, Stacy Sager, Craig’s widow, and the V Foundation are collaborating to achieve Victory Over Cancer®.

“The SAGERSTRONG Foundation is thrilled to be partnering with the V Foundation and Dr. Ami Bhatt on this very important project,” said Stacy Sager, President of the SAGERSTRONG Foundation. “We hope through Dr. Bhatt’s research, cancer patients can glean valuable information early about dietary changes to arm them in their battle.”

The partnership has awarded a V Scholar Grant to Bhatt for her research project titled, “Precisely Shaping the Intestinal Microbiome to Improve Cancer Therapy Outcomes.” Bhatt’s research will explore how dietary changes might improve the intestinal environment in cancer patients. Her goal is to improve therapies with the information she learns. V Scholar Grants are awarded to early career investigators for their work that is either laboratory-based fundamental research or translational research. Bhatt will receive $200,000 over a two-year period. The V Foundation and the SAGERSTRONG Foundation will each contribute $100,000 to the grant.

“I have had the privilege and pleasure of caring for many patients and their families through the course of leukemia treatment,” said Bhatt. “Witnessing their amazing strength, I know that we have made so much progress in treating these tough diseases in the past decade. However, there is so much more that needs to be done. The support of the V Foundation and the SAGERSTRONG Foundation will help me and my lab carry out cutting-edge research that will contribute to transforming how patients, physicians and researchers think about the microbiome and cancer. I am honored to be a V Scholar and am revved up to get to work!”

Craig Sager was a Turner Sports Broadcaster and NBA Sideline Reporter, known for his colorful suits and ties, with a personality to match, and he was a longtime friend of the V Foundation. Sager succumbed to cancer in 2016. A few months prior to his passing, he accepted the Jimmy V Perseverance Award at the 2016 ESPYS for his courageous fight with acute myeloid leukemia. SAGERSTRONG Foundation was founded in 2016 in hope that, one day, leukemia patients and their families will never face the battle the Sagers endured. Stacy Sager and the SAGERSTRONG Foundation previously collaborated with the V Foundation during the 2018 V Week with a donation of two of Craig’s jackets to an auction benefiting breakthrough cancer research funded by the V Foundation.

“Stacy’s passion for this work is inspirational,” said Susan Braun, CEO of the V Foundation. “Her commitment to honoring Craig’s memory through innovative research is a testament to him and to her!”

The V Foundation Announces Designated Grant Awarded for Research in Lung Cancer

The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, through the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund and in collaboration with the Lung Cancer Initiative of North Carolina, the state’s leading nonprofit organization dedicated to lung cancer research and education, is excited to award a Designated Grant for $300,000 to support lung cancer research to Jared Weiss, M.D., at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. This project focuses on small cell lung cancer (SCLC), the most aggressive type of lung cancer.

“We are grateful for our continued partnership with the V Foundation for Cancer Research to fund important lung cancer research right here in North Carolina and to bring awareness to this underfunded disease,” said Paige Humble, Executive Director of Lung Cancer Initiative.

Lung cancer, the deadliest type of cancer, causes more deaths than the next three cancers combined. African-Americans have the highest incidence and rate of lung cancer-related deaths and develop the disease at an earlier age compared to other racial groups. This is the third year the V Foundation and Lung Cancer Initiative have partnered in a commitment to fund research for lung cancer, specifically among minority populations in North Carolina.

The Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund was established in 2015 after the passing of ESPN sportscaster Stuart Scott to support minority scholars and research dedicated to ending the disparities among African Americans in cancer incidences and death rates.

“Small cell lung cancer has always been particularly frustrating to me,” said Weiss. “It causes a lot of suffering and death. While chemotherapy can help, it does not typically last long. Research has made only very minor advances in the past several decades, and a cure is very rare. Clearly, new approaches are needed. These new approaches must seek not small improvements, but rather, dramatic ones, with the ultimate goal of curing a previously incurable disease.”

Through the grant, Weiss plans to utilize a new technology, CAR-T, which has revolutionized the care of some lymphomas and leukemias. CAR-T modifies a patient’s own T cells to recognize and attack cancer cells that display a particular marker. Weiss’ team has made a CAR-T for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme because it bears a particular marker, GD2. Since 60% of SCLC also has GD2, CAR-T directed to GD2 could provide dramatic tumor regression in a majority of patients with SCLC.

“Partnerships are key as we work toward Victory Over Cancer®,” said Susan Braun, Chief Executive Officer of the V Foundation. “We are excited to team up again with the Lung Cancer Initiative of North Carolina to help lung cancer patients who are so disproportionately affected. It’s important to stop this aggressive cancer, and working together is critical to advancing the research.”

Among the highest-rated nonprofits by Charity Navigator, America’s largest and most-utilized independent evaluator of charities, the V Foundation strives for Victory Over Cancer® with a strict adherence to sound fiscal management and transparency. The V Foundation holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and is among the top 4% of cancer charities of all charities evaluated; and the Foundation is a GuideStar platinum-rated charity.

The Lung Cancer Initiative has funded more than $1.6 million toward lung cancer research since 2008. In addition to the partnership with the V Foundation, the Lung Cancer Initiative annually awards five disease-focused fellowship grants across the state and additionally provides grants supporting initiatives to facilitate access to screening, treatment and clinical research.

For more information about the Lung Cancer Initiative, programs, upcoming events or to donate, please visit www.LungCancerInitiativeNC.org

About the Lung Cancer Initiative of North Carolina
The Lung Cancer Initiative of North Carolina specializes in connecting patients, survivors and loved ones with the medical and research community. The mission is to save lives and provide support to those affected by lung cancer through research, awareness, education and access programs across North Carolina. For more information, please visit www.LungCancerInitiativeNC.org.

Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer Riders Raise Nearly $730,000 to Help Achieve Victory Over Cancer®

The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, is excited to announce that Bristol-Myers Squibb’s 2019 Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer riders raised a record-breaking $729,358 this year. Bristol-Myers Squibb matched all funds, for a total of nearly $1.5 million for cancer research funded through the V Foundation. More than 100 Bristol-Myers Squibb employees participated in the three-week, cross-country bike ride, beginning on September 4 and covering nearly 3,000 miles from Cannon Beach, Ore., to Long Branch, N.J.

Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer rider Eric Mortenson, of Minneapolis, Minn., was diagnosed with gastric cancer in 2017. “I know what it’s like to hear the words ‘You have cancer,’ and I rode for the collective ‘us,’’ shared Mortenson. “I hope this ride results in a heightened understanding of how, directly and indirectly, we are all in this together.”

The Bristol-Myers Squibb employees who participated in the Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer ride were largely novice cyclists and trained extensively to prepare for the cross-country relay, during which each rider covered approximately 225 miles in three days, inspired to help achieve Victory Over Cancer®. Some of the riders, like Mortenson, are cancer survivors. Others rode for loved ones affected by the disease, such as Alka Bhatt of Newtown, Pa., who was riding for her aunt.

“Our Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer riders trained for more than five months, dedicating their mornings, evenings and weekends to this cause. On the road, they faced rain, sleet, hail and heat – and yet they persevered,” said Adam Lenkowksy, General Manager, Head of U.S., Bristol-Myers Squibb. “The reality is that this effort pales in comparison to what people with cancer experience each day. We ride with their names on our jerseys, motivating us to keep going no matter what.”

“The Coast 2 Coast ride is simply amazing,” said Susan Braun, Chief Executive Officer of the V Foundation. “Each rider has a backstory, a deeply personal reason for riding. So many are honoring the courage of loved ones, some survivors and some in memory. This year’s ride was dedicated to one such individual: Bristol-Myers Squibb employee Heidi Googe. Heidi pushed through more than 200 miles during the 2018 ride while undergoing cancer treatment, and sadly passed away just three months later. Her memory helped inspire every mile that the riders cycled in support of patients who will benefit from the cancer research the ride will fund.”

The nearly $1.5 million raised from the Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer ride will enable the V Foundation to invest in even more breakthrough cancer research nationwide.

For more information about the 2019 Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer ride, please visit cancerbikeride.org.

The V Foundation Observes Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month and Honors Dick and Lorraine Vitale with Naming of Pediatric Cancer Fund

The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, is observing Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month this September. The V Foundation has awarded more than $40 million in pediatric cancer research grants. The newly established Vitale Pediatric Cancer Research Fund will honor long-time Board member Dick Vitale and his wife Lorraine for their enthusiasm and fundraising for pediatric cancer research. All future V Foundation pediatric grants will be awarded through this fund.

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 U.S. children in 2018. Private funding is a critical component of advancing research for childhood cancers. The V Foundation is bridging the gap in order to prevent and treat cancer in children.

“Dollars are desperately needed to help eliminate the cancers that create a nightmare for so many beautiful young people and their families,” said Vitale. “Today, and every day, approximately 40 moms and dads are hearing, ‘Your child has cancer.’ We must all unite in our efforts to see that our pediatric oncologists have the necessary tools to help our children battling this dreaded disease.”

Vitale hosts an annual Gala every May, and this year’s event raised a record $4.3 million. In addition to Vitale, many V Foundation partners focus their fundraising efforts on pediatrics.

The V Foundation and WWE are in the fourth year of their partnership to raise money for pediatric cancer research through Connor’s Cure. Founded by WWE Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon and WWE Executive Vice President Talent, Live Events & Creative Paul “Triple H” Levesque, Connor’s Cure was established in honor of an 8-year-old WWE fan, Connor Michalek, who battled medulloblastoma, a rare tumor that affects the brain and spinal cord. To date, Connor’s Cure has raised nearly $3 million. WWE also sells Connor’s Cure merchandise through their online WWE Shop, to benefit pediatric cancer research funded through the V Foundation. For more information on Connor’s Cure, please visit v.org/connor.

“Pediatric cancer is devastating,” said Susan Braun, CEO of the V Foundation. “The V Foundation is intent upon propelling the science to find cures for kids with cancer. The remarkable partners and donors who have stepped up and leaned in are the inspiration and the fuel for this important progress.”

Working with Major League Baseball players on both coasts, the V Foundation has teamed up with Buster Posey of the San Francisco Giants and Trea Turner of the Washington Nationals to raise funds for pediatric cancer research. Posey and his wife Kristen have partnered with the V Foundation since 2016, raising more than $1 million for pediatric cancer research. Turner and his wife Kristen, both former athletes at NC State University, learned about Jim Valvano and the V Foundation and wanted to continue the legacy of the former Wolfpack coach. Fans can join the players’ campaigns through Pledge It to help raise funds for pediatric cancer research. Posey is donating $1,500 for every RBI he has this season, and Turner is donating $500 for every stolen base.

In addition to these initiatives, Applebee’s Restaurants Mid-Atlantic has donated more than $1.6 million since 2006 for pediatric cancer through its March Hoops Fundraiser. Each March, guests at Applebee’s restaurants across North Carolina are invited to participate in the annual March Hoops Fundraiser. For each $1 donation, fans receive a paper basketball to decorate in the spirit of their favorite school. Just last month, an $80,000 donation to pediatric cancer research was presented from Applebee’s Restaurants Mid-Atlantic, the local group operating Applebee’s restaurants in North and South Carolina.

The V Foundation Continues Partnership with Kansas City Chiefs and The University of Kansas Health System for Victory Over Cancer®

For the third consecutive year, the V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, is excited to announce a continued collaboration with the Kansas City Chiefs and The University of Kansas Health System to support critical cancer research. The collaboration is part of ESPN’s Blitz Cancer campaign, which pairs the V Foundation with professional football teams to support all types of cancer research at NCI-designated cancer centers in team markets. Last year, the collaboration awarded a $200,000 grant to Guogen Yu, Ph.D. at The University of Kansas Cancer Center for her research related to the causes of gastric cancer.

“Teamwork and sports are the heartbeat of the V Foundation,” said Susan Braun, Chief Executive Officer of the V Foundation. “Joining forces with the Chiefs, The University of Kansas Health System and ESPN creates the framework to help achieve Victory Over Cancer^®.”

The Chiefs and the Hunt Family Foundation, The University of Kansas Cancer Center and the V Foundation will fund an Early Career Investigator Grant at The University of Kansas Cancer Center. The partnership will bring continued V Foundation resources to the Kansas City area as it funds an emerging researcher in the Chiefs’ community.

“The V Foundation delivers remarkable resources for medical researchers and healthcare professionals around the country, and we’re thrilled to partner with the V Foundation and The University of Kansas Health System on this grant for the third consecutive year,” Chiefs President Mark Donovan said. “The fact that this grant impacts a local cancer researcher at The University of Kansas Cancer Center means that we will continue having leaders in the fight against cancer right here in the Kansas City community.”

On October 13, during the Chiefs ‘Crucial Catch’ game, versus the Houston Texans, the Hunt Family Foundation will hold a 50/50 raffle to support funding efforts. Crucial Catch: Intercept Cancer aims to move the country towards unprecedented levels of early detection and risk reduction of screenable cancers and allows the NFL to reach and impact a wider population affected by various forms of cancer.

“We are grateful for this generous support which will help The University of Kansas Cancer Center’s work to foster new cancer treatment options and provide more hope to patients in our community,” said Tammy Peterman, MS, RN, FAAN, President, Kansas City Division, and Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Nursing Officer of The University of Kansas Health System.

The V Foundation Early Career Investigator Grant will support a young tenure-track researcher early in her/his career by funding projects that are either laboratory-based fundamental research or translational research. To learn more about the 2018 grantee, Yu, click here.

“I applaud the efforts of the V Foundation and the Kansas City Chiefs to advance The University of Kansas Cancer Center’s efforts to fight this terrible disease,” said Dr. Roy Jensen, Director of The University of Kansas Cancer Center. “We are deeply grateful for these funds.”

“We’re excited to kick off another season together with the Kansas City Chiefs and The University of Kansas Health System to Blitz Cancer,” said Kevin Martinez, Vice President of Corporate Citizenship at ESPN. “Together we will collaborate to positively impact the Kansas City community and continue in the fight against cancer. We #DontEverGiveUp.”

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 the Kansas City Chiefs and the Hunt Family Foundation

Founded as the Dallas Texans in 1960 as a charter member of the American Football League (AFL) by sports pioneer Lamar Hunt, the franchise moved to Kansas City in 1963 and became known as the Kansas City Chiefs. The Hunt Family Foundation, formerly the Chiefs Children’s Fund, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established by the Hunt family in 1983 to support charitable agencies in the greater Kansas City community. Through philanthropy and community programming, the Foundation provides vital assistance to more than 125 area charities each year and works to give back to a community that has given so much to the Kansas City Chiefs organization for more than 50 years. For more information about the Chiefs and the Hunt Family Foundation, please visit www.chiefs.com.

About The University of Kansas Cancer Center

The University of Kansas Cancer Center is transforming cancer research and clinical care by linking an innovative approach to drug discovery, delivery and development to a nationally-accredited patient care program. Our consortium center includes cancer research and health care professionals associated with the University of Kansas Medical Center and The University of Kansas Health System; The University of Kansas, Lawrence; the Stowers Institute for Medical Research; Children’s Mercy; and in partnership with members of the Midwest Cancer Alliance.

The V Foundation’s Victory Ride to Cure Cancer Announces Braswell Family Farms as Presenting Partner

The V Foundation for Cancer Research’s Victory Ride to Cure Cancer, a one-day charity cycling event benefiting the V Foundation in Raleigh, N.C., is delighted to announce Braswell Family Farms as presenting partner. Braswell Family Farms, one of the foremost producers of premium and specialty eggs and feed on the East Coast, is joining the V Foundation on May 18 to help achieve Victory Over Cancer®.

“So many on our team at Braswell Family Farms have either suffered from cancer themselves or had a close friend or family member who has,” said Trey Braswell, President of Braswell Family Farms. “Braswell Family Farms is so grateful to partner with the V Foundation and have an opportunity to give back with our time, treasure and talent to push back on the darkness of cancer.”

As the presenting partner, Braswell Family Farms will enhance the ride-day experience for participants, volunteers and spectators. Braswell Family Farms will provide breakfast for all riders and volunteers and provide hard boiled eggs throughout the course to fuel cyclists. Prior to the Victory Ride, Braswell Family Farms will visit Victory Ride partners on a breakfast tour.

“We are so pleased to partner with Braswell Family Farms,” said Susan Braun, Chief Executive Officer of the V Foundation. “What a wonderful partner to have as we build the Victory Ride. Their support not only means a delicious start to ride day, but it means even more people working together toward Victory Over Cancer®.”

Victory Ride participants raise a minimum of $250 with 100% of rider-raised funds directed to cancer research. The Victory Ride benefits Duke Cancer Institute, UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and Wake Forest Baptist Health Comprehensive Cancer Center, as well as breakthrough cancer research nationwide.

From start to post-ride, the Victory Ride has many exciting features. George Hincapie, 17-time Tour de France competitor and Grand Marshal of the Victory Ride, will lead the first wave of riders out of NC State University’s Centennial Campus. The Victory Ride festival area will have a kids bicycle obstacle course. Cyclists and their guests can enjoy food trucks and local breweries in a post-ride celebration. For more information about the Victory Ride to Cure Cancer or to register for the ride, please visit www.thevictoryride.org. Follow the Victory Ride on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @TheVictoryRide and through #TheVictoryRide.

About Braswell Family Farms

Braswell Family Farms seeks to glorify God while providing the safest, highest quality feed and eggs for American families. Braswell Family Farms is the second largest Eggland’s Best franchisee in the United States and a leading producer of value-added private label egg products for quality minded retailers.

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