Tags: News|Press Release

The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, is excited to announce the second annual event benefiting the the Robin Roberts Cancer Survivorship Fund raised more than $175,000. The fund was created in honor of Robin Roberts, a member of the V Foundation’s Board of Directors and co-anchor of ABC’s “Good Morning America.” The event was held in celebration of the Robin Roberts Cancer Survivorship Fund at Blue Smoke Flatiron in New York City on December 3, with an intimate group of friends and supporters.

“I am blessed to be one of the 16 million cancer survivors in the United States,” said Roberts. “And how incredible to see that number continue to grow! Research has been amazing, offering earlier diagnoses and better treatment options. I’m excited to raise funds for a newer phase of research – survivorship. As we move beyond our cancer treatments, we are facing new health challenges. Focusing on healthier futures for cancer survivors is vital. I look forward to the progress that will give us our best shot at a brighter tomorrow.”

In honor of Robin Roberts, the V Foundation established the research fund in her name in 2017, to support translational research to improve the quality of life for oncology patients after treatment. The fund provides competitive grants for urgently needed research into the biological basis and prevention of common long-term adverse effects experienced by survivors. Bristol-Myers Squibb has provided $2.5 million to the V Foundation to fund biomedical cancer research and cancer survivorship.

“Robin continues to inspire us, first with the way she tackled her cancer diagnosis, and now, as she navigates the challenges that cancer survivors face,” said John Thiel, a Don’t Ever Give Up Board Member and a co-chair of an Evening with Robin Roberts. “We especially admire her for leading a charge to support the growing number of survivors.”

Roberts has been a longtime friend and supporter of the V Foundation and was a colleague of Jim Valvano’s at ESPN. In 2007, Roberts was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her ensuing battle has been recognized with honors and awards by various organizations throughout the country, including the Dick Vitale Gala in 2016. She inspired so many as she bravely shared her personal battle with the rare blood disorder myelodysplastic syndrome, or MDS, shortly after her breast cancer diagnosis.

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 4% of all charities evaluated. The V Foundation is a GuideStar platinum-rated charity.

Please visit jimmyv.org/RobinRoberts to contribute to the Robin Roberts Fund for Cancer Survivorship Research.

The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, is excited to announce the arena at NC State University’s William Neal Reynolds Coliseum will be named the James T. Valvano Arena in honor of the V Foundation founder and legendary NC State University men’s basketball coach. Twenty-five years ago, Jim Valano and ESPN founded the V Foundation with the goal of achieving Victory Over Cancer®. Valvano led the 1983 Wolfpack to an NCAA National Championship and reminded us, “Don’t Give Up . . . Don’t Ever Give Up!”®

“Jim always said that Reynolds Coliseum was a special place and I know that he would be almost speechless to receive this honor,” said Nick Valvano, V Foundation President Emeritus and former Chief Executive Officer and Jim’s brother. “Personally, I cannot thank enough those who helped support this tribute.”

On December 5, prior to NC State’s Heritage Game, the James T. Valvano Arena will be formally dedicated to Jim Valvano. The naming of the arena comes from a group of generous supporters as part of NC State’s Think and Do the Extraordinary campaign, to honor the life and contributions of the late Jim Valvano. This year, the V Foundation celebrates its 25^th anniversary, and Valvano’s 1983 team celebrates 35 years since its NCAA National Championship win. Since the V Foundation’s inception, more than $225 million has been awarded for breakthrough cancer research nationwide.

The Valvano Arena at Reynolds Coliseum honors the accomplishments of one of the original members of the NC State Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2012. The arena is the home competition venue for NC State women’s basketball, gymnastics, volleyball and wrestling. It will also continue to host the men’s basketball Heritage Game each year, in addition to numerous university and special events.

“What a beautiful way to honor Jim and his contribution to college basketball,” said Susan Braun, Chief Executive Officer of the V Foundation. “Jim had such energy and determination. He fulfilled the seemingly impossible dream of an NCAA Championship and 10 short years later, he set us on another path to victory. Because of his call to action, the V Foundation has awarded more than $225 million to cancer research. Both of his legacies have left a lasting impact on so many. We heed Jim’s words every day. ‘Don’t Give Up . . . Don’t Ever Give Up!’®”

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 all charities evaluated. The V Foundation is a GuideStar platinum-rated charity.

The V Foundation for Cancer Research, one of the nation’s leading cancer research funding organizations, and ESPN Hall of Fame Sportscaster Dick Vitale are honored to announce a pediatric cancer research grant in memory of John Saunders, one of ESPN’s most visible and versatile commentators.  Together, Vitale and Saunders were founding members of The V Foundation’s Board of Directors and remained devoted supporters since the Foundation’s inception in 1993.  Next year, at the Dick Vitale Gala, Vitale will honor his friend by raising funds for the John Saunders Grant for Pediatric Cancer Research.

“John Saunders has been a vital force at the Dick Vitale Gala for the past 11 years,” said Vitale.  “For 10 of those years, he served as the emcee and has been very important in our efforts that have raised more than $18.1 million for pediatric cancer research.  John would spend time each year with our All Courageous Team of cancer survivors at the gala.  We have established the John Saunders Grant for Pediatric Cancer Research in his honor.  It is our goal, as a tribute to John, to raise money to assist youngsters in their battle against cancer.  We need your help. Please donate now.”

As colleagues at ESPN, Vitale and Saunders became close with Jim Valvano and have helped sustain the legendary NC State University basketball coach’s legacy by supporting The V Foundation and its mission to end cancer.  In addition to the annual Dick Vitale Gala, Vitale and Saunders spearheaded and participated in many of The V Foundation’s events and initiatives to raise funds for pediatric cancer research.  The V Foundation has awarded nearly $20 million in pediatric cancer research grants to institutions nationwide since 1993, including almost $5 million in childhood cancer research grants awarded last year. They are making a significant impact in finding cures for the leading cause of death by disease among American children.

“We are so saddened at the passing our friend, colleague and fellow cancer research advocate. John will be missed every day by friends, family and fans around the world, but he will never be forgotten,” said Susan Braun, CEO of The V Foundation.  “We are establishing this grant in his honor to help children with cancer. Our Scientific Advisory Committee will select a V Scholar grantee from a review of the best pediatric cancer researchers in the country. John will continue to make a positive impact in the lives of young cancer patients.”

The John Saunders Grant for Pediatric Cancer Research will be announced at the 12th Annual Dick Vitale Gala on May 12, 2017, in Sarasota, Fla.  Following a record-breaking fundraising event this year, the 2017 Gala will honor the University of Notre Dame Head Football Coach Brian Kelly, West Virginia University Head Men’s Basketball Coach Bob Huggins and longtime ESPN anchor Chris Berman.  The V Foundation proudly awards 100% of net proceeds of events and direct donations to cancer research.

To contribute to the John Saunders Grant for Pediatric Cancer Research, please visit www.jimmyv.org/saunders.

The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research funder, is excited to announce an innovative grant-making program to accelerate research in the field of comparative oncology. Canine comparative oncology is an evolving field of study, which enables researchers from human and veterinary medicine to explore new cancer therapies anticipating better efficacy and less toxicity for humans and man’s best friend and beloved pet.

“Through this grant program, the V Foundation is continuing its innovative and critical support of cancer research,” said Michael Kastan, Executive Director of Duke Cancer Institute. “This program will not only provide benefits to the millions of canine and human patients each year that get cancer, it will make the challenging process of identifying new approaches to cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment more efficient and effective.”

The V Foundation is working with cancer centers and veterinary colleges nationwide to make grants for canine comparative oncology with a goal of faster and less costly care for pet dogs and for humans, as well as better informed research designs. Canine tumors often share multiple characteristics with human cancers, including responses to specific therapies, making canine comparative oncology an exciting field with promising outcomes – especially in rare and pediatric cancers. Some of the most prevalent cancers diagnosed in humans and dogs include sarcomas, melanoma, lymphomas, breast and bladder cancer. Cancer is the leading cause of death in dogs, with one in four developing the disease in his or her lifetime; while for humans, it’s one in three.

“Because certain cancers are very common in dogs, and because a dog’s life is much shorter than a human’s, we have an incredible opportunity to find new treatments while helping both humans and animals,” said William Eward, M.D., a surgical oncologist at Duke Cancer Institute. “For rare cancers, like sarcoma, dogs provide us with remarkable insight. For every human child with osteosarcoma, there are at least 50 dogs with osteosarcoma. These dogs share our environment and have nearly identical immune systems. In studying dogs with sarcoma, we not only learn more about this type of cancer, we also gain a chance to help ‘man’s best friend.’”

Over the past three years, the V Foundation has awarded more than $700,000 for canine comparative oncology through a collaboration between NC State College of Veterinary Medicine and Duke Cancer Institute. The V Foundation is dedicated to making innovative grants, as more than 1 million pet dogs are treated and 1.7 million humans are diagnosed with cancer each year in the U.S.

“The V Foundation is pleased to expand our renowned grant-making expertise into this emerging field, working with outstanding scientific experts who guide our work,” said Susan Braun, Chief Executive Officer of the V Foundation.

The V Foundation can help pet dogs and humans with cancer by finding treatments and cures more quickly. Excellent veterinary medical centers are teaming up with leading cancer centers to help dogs and humans beat cancer. The V Foundation is working with advisors from five top-level vet schools and paired cancer centers to evaluate the research needs and select the best grant topics. Beneficiaries of the canine comparative oncology research approach include human patients and canine patients (and their owners). The goal is faster and less costly drug therapies, as well as better informed clinical trial designs for both species.

The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, is excited to announce the second annual Victory Ride to Cure Cancer will take place Saturday, May 18, 2019, beginning and ending at NC State University’s Centennial Campus. 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.

“Pairing athletics with great science, with a goal to end cancer – that’s in our DNA,” said Susan Braun, Chief Executive Officer of the V Foundation. “The V Foundation is excited to host the second year of the Victory Ride here in our home state of North Carolina, in partnership with the three outstanding NCI-designated cancer centers here.”

This year, the V Foundation has added a 10-mile route, as well as offering new routes for the 30-, 60- and 100-mile courses. There will also be a virtual ride option. 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.

“I chose the Victory Ride because I have been an NC State fan my entire life and I love being able to use my passions to give back,” said Russell Maddrey, a 2018 participant. “There are few people in the world whose lives haven’t been affected by cancer, and I wanted to be a part of the V Foundation’s fight against such a terrible, prolific disease to help them change the narrative.”

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. At the inaugural Victory Ride, riders raised more than $200,000 for cancer research in North Carolina. The V Foundation has awarded more than $200 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 to Cure Cancer or to register for the ride, please visit www.thevictoryride.org. Follow the Victory Ride on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @TheVictoryRide and through #TheVictoryRide.

Today, for the fifth year in a row, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE: BMY) is launching Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer, a nearly month-long cross-country bike ride to raise money for cancer research. From September 5-25, 109 company employees will ride a total of nearly 3,000 miles from Cannon Beach, OR, to Long Branch, NJ with the goal of raising $1 million for the V Foundation for Cancer Research. Funds raised will be matched dollar for dollar by Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, up to a $500,000 maximum donation.

“Every day at Bristol-Myers Squibb, we are inspired by the hope of a future where more people who are diagnosed with cancer can live longer and have more active lives. For many of us, our motivations to advance cancer research are also personal,” said Johanna Mercier, head, U.S. and Large Markets, Worldwide Commercial, Bristol-Myers Squibb. “Since 2013, our Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer employee riders have raised more than $3.3 million for cancer research with the goal of hopefully changing the course of this disease for our loved ones affected by the disease and all of the patients we work for every day.”

“Our mission is to achieve Victory Over Cancer®, which can only happen through breakthroughs in research,” said Susan Braun, chief executive officer, the V Foundation for Cancer Research. “The funds raised through the Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer ride will help the V Foundation invest in more and much-needed research projects across multiple types of cancer to make the largest impact for people diagnosed with the disease.”

The employees who ride in Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer are novice cyclists who trained extensively to prepare for the cross-country ride, during which each rider will cover approximately 225 miles. While some riders have been diagnosed with cancer, others are riding in honor of loved ones affected by the disease. Donna DiMaggio, a Bristol-Myers Squibb employee who was twice diagnosed with breast cancer and lost her mother to ovarian cancer, said, “Training for and participating in the Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer ride is the experience of a lifetime – pushing me to overcome physical, emotional and mental hurdles. I’m grateful Bristol-Myers Squibb and the V Foundation have given me the opportunity to use my personal
experience with cancer to contribute to future research.”

Bristol-Myers Squibb colleagues from across Europe are also showing their commitment
to cancer research in a similar fashion by embarking on the third annual Country 2 Country 4
Cancer ride. Six teams across 14 countries totaling 82 riders have committed to going the
distance in this year’s ride, which covers approximately 3,600 kilometers (2,236 miles). Riders
will cycle across Europe from Germany, through Switzerland, Italy, France and Spain, with the
final team finishing in the UK. Funds raised will support market-specific, cancer-focused
charities in Europe.

For more information about the 2018 Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer ride, please visit cancerbikeride.org or follow the ride on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn by using #C2C4Cancer.