Tags: News|Press Release

The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, is excited to announce a $50,000 donation from UNICO National in memory of Carl Esposito. The check was presented at the organization’s annual convention in Delray, Fla., in July.

“It was an honor to present a $50,000 check to be used for lung cancer research in the memory of one of our esteemed members, Mr. Carl Esposito,” said Frank N. DeFrank, M.D., UNICO National Executive Vice President. “Over the past 18 years or so, the members of UNICO National have raised and donated upwards of $700,000 to the V Foundation, and this recent donation helped to solidify our long-standing relationship.”

The V Foundation and UNICO National have a well-established partnership, beginning in 1997. Since 2000, UNICO has funded 14 grants through the V Foundation to leading cancer centers in the U.S. All grants presented by UNICO are given in memory of members or their family members who have passed away from cancer. The most recent grant was given in memory of Esposito, a former UNICO District Governor and Past President of the Saddle Brook chapter.

“The V Foundation relies on generous donors in order to fund the best research in the country,” said Randy Karsten, Managing Director, Strategic and Corporate Partnerships at the V Foundation. “UNICO National has been an exceptional supporter of cancer research, and its contributions are allowing significant advances.”

Founded in 1922, UNICO National is the largest Italian American service organization in the U.S. The non-profit, whose name means “unique, one of a kind,” engages members in charitable works, supports higher education and performs patriotic deeds.

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

The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, is excited to announce the V Foundation Wine Celebration, celebrating its 20^th anniversary, raised more than $18 million during a full weekend of events. This year’s total included more than $16 million in “Fund-A-Need” donations to support the V Foundation’s endowment and nearly $2 million for breast cancer research.

“Since 1999, the V Wine Celebration has been a source of inspiration and generosity,” said Chairwoman Julie Allegro. “I am incredibly humbled and proud to be part of a team that raised $100 million towards our goal of Victory Over Cancer®.”

Hosted by five of the previous year’s hosts, Mike “Coach K” Krzyzewski, Duke University men’s basketball coach and V Foundation Board Member; Robin Roberts, Emmy-winning co-host of ABC’s “Good Morning America,” two-time cancer survivor, winner of the Arthur Ashe Courage Award, and V Foundation Board Member; Scott Hamilton, figure skating world champion, Olympic gold medalist, and cancer survivor; Joe Theismann, Super Bowl champion and sports commentator; and Lou Holtz, legendary football coach, retired analyst for ESPN, best-selling author and motivational speaker. The three-day signature fundraising event included intimate winery dinners, live entertainment, live and silent auctions and a cancer research symposium. The event attracted attendees from all over the country to Napa Valley to benefit the V Foundation’s efforts in achieving Victory Over Cancer®.

“It was fantastic to be back in beautiful Napa Valley, hosting another Wine Celebration,” said Theismann. “The energy there was incredible, and the commitment to stopping cancer was as strong as ever. What an honor it was to be part of a special evening with co-hosts from past celebrations.”

Highlights of this year’s event included the live auction with assistance from Tony Award-winner Christian Hoff. Top items in the auction included a 2011 limited edition Neiman Marcus Convertible Chevrolet Camaro, one of only 100 made, packaged with a luxurious weekend at the Davis Estate’s guest house; a Harbison 20-year vertical including a 9-liter bottle from their first harvest that produced only a single barrel; and a chic dinner party by Ayesha Curry and Michael Mina, co-owners of International Smoke, paired with wines at Gemstone Vineyard.

“Remarkable doesn’t even describe this year’s V Foundation Wine Celebration,” said Susan Braun, CEO of the V Foundation. “Once again, our hosts have set the stage for generosity, and the guests stepped up.  This momentum propels us forward, ever closer to our goal of declaring Victory Over Cancer®!”

In its 25 years, the V Foundation has awarded more than $200 million in cancer research grants nationwide. Twenty-five years ago, the diagnosis and prognosis related to cancer were not as optimistic as today. Because of research, we have earlier diagnoses, a better understanding of what causes some cancers, more positive prognoses of some cancers and therapies that are designed to kill cancer while preserving the patient’s overall health. The V Foundation distributes research grants for all types of cancer to the most promising scientists nationwide through a competitive process vetted by a Scientific Advisory Committee. Over the last 20 years, the Wine Celebration has raised more than $100 million for cancer research and related programs. The 21st annual V Foundation Wine Celebration will be held on August 1-4, 2019.

For more information about the 2018 Wine Celebration, please visit www.winecelebration.org.

The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, is excited to announce that Bristol-Myers Squibb Company has provided a $2.5 million donation to the V Foundation for cancer survivorship research. The grant will be used by the V Foundation to fund biomedical cancer research through its Robin Roberts Fund for Cancer Survivorship. Through this fund, the V Foundation has committed to improving the long-term health and wellness of oncology patients after treatment. Announced in December 2017,  the Robin Roberts Cancer Survivorship Fund was named 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 grant was announced last night at the ESPYs on the red carpet by Susan Braun, Chief Executive Officer of the V Foundation.

“Just as Jim Valvano would have wanted, we have made amazing strides in cancer research – the wonderful science funded by the V Foundation is helping to create millions of survivors,” said Robin Roberts. “But for those survivors, it is a long journey and our health will always be at the forefront of our minds. As the number of survivors grow, it’s time to take a look at how the rest of our lives will be lived. We want to give every survivor the best chance at a long, full, happy and healthy life. I’m so pleased to be a part of this new initiative.”

As research has led to improvements in treatments, there are more cancer survivors than ever. Today, there are more than 16 million U.S. cancer survivors and this number is expected to grow to 20 million by 2026. Survivors face chronic health conditions, cancer recurrence and more life-altering circumstances.  The Robin Roberts Cancer Survivorship Fund will focus on biomedical cancer research areas with particular relevance to survivors including pediatrics, immuno-oncology and data science research focused on improving survivors’ outcomes.

“Research to better understand how to improve the health and extend the lives of cancer survivors is critical to fully eradicating cancer,” said Braun. “The V Foundation is embarking on this new initiative to expand the ways that we can change the face of cancer forever.”

Roberts has been a longtime friend and supporter of the V Foundation and was a colleague of Jim Valvano’s at ESPN, prior to joining “Good Morning America.” In 2007, Roberts was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her ensuing battle has been recognized with honors and awards by various organizations throughout the country. She inspired so many as she bravely shared her personal battle with the rare blood disorder myelodysplastic syndrome, or MDS, shortly after breast cancer. Roberts speaks openly about the importance of early detection, increasing treatment options available and support. She is an inspiration and role model for those battling cancer, as well as survivors facing continued challenges.  Roberts announced the formation of the Robin Roberts Cancer Survivorship Fund on December 4, 2017 at a party in her honor at Blue Smoke in New York.

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

Please visit www.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 proud to announce the 19th Annual V Foundation Wine Celebration raised nearly $9 million for cancer research during a full weekend of events. This year’s total included more than $7 million in “Fund-A-Need” donations to support the study of BRCA mutation research in laboratories and clinics across the country.

“Throughout this extraordinary weekend, hearts were opened by the stories shared and we come away inspired and filled with hope by the progress being made in cancer research,” said Julie Allegro, co-founder and chair of the V Foundation Wine Celebration. “We will remain ‘shoulder to shoulder’ in the fight against this disease. We won’t stop until there are cures!”

Hosted by Duke University Head Men’s Basketball Coach and dear friend of late Jim Valvano, Mike “Coach K” Krzyzewski, the three-day signature fundraising event included intimate winery dinners, live entertainment, live and silent auctions and a cancer research symposium. The event attracted attendees to Napa Valley to benefit the V Foundation’s efforts to support cutting-edge cancer research. The gala dinner on Saturday, August 5, culminated with an exclusive performance by Michael Franti & Spearhead.

“I’m here because Jimmy recruited me. He had a vision, divine intervention in what happened to him,” said Coach K. “I’ve been proud to be on his team ever since and see this Foundation really fight this dreadful disease in a way that we are winning. I want to be there just like Jimmy wanted to be there when we win.”

Highlights of this year’s event included the “Fund-A-Need” through which the V Foundation in partnership with the BRCA Foundation and the Gray Foundation are funding research of cancers that derive from BRCA or BRCA-like mutations. Each organization provided $1.5 million to the V Foundation, and with a successful match from the event, the combined investment for this cutting edge research is more than $7 million.

“Understanding the impact of abnormal BRCA genes has not only permitted prevention and earlier detection of breast and ovarian cancer in families who have inherited one of these genes, but has also led to the development of drugs that are particularly effective against BRCA-related cancers,” said Dr. Bob Bast, Vice President for Translational Research at the MD Anderson Cancer Center. ”Funds raised by the V Foundation Wine Celebration will accelerate progress in all of these areas.”

In its 24 years, the V Foundation has awarded more than $170 million in cancer research grants nationwide. The V Foundation distributes research grants for all types of cancer to the most promising scientists nationwide through a competitive process vetted by a Scientific Advisory Committee. Over the last 19 years, the Wine Celebration has raised more than $88 million for cancer research and related programs. The 20th Annual V Foundation Wine Celebration will be held on August 2-5, 2018.

For more information about the 2017 Wine Celebration, please visit www.winecelebration.org.

About the V Wine Celebration

The V Foundation Wine Celebration is a world-class wine event and auction benefiting the V Foundation for Cancer Research. Set in Napa Valley, the heart of California Wine Country, this annual special event brings together 500 prominent members of the sports broadcasting, entertainment, media, lifestyle, technology, investment, medical and winemaking worlds to raise money to fund vital research in the fight against all types of cancer. The V Wine Celebration has helped fund 600 research programs at medical and research facilities across the country. Dedicated to giving back to the generous Napa Valley and surrounding communities that have so enthusiastically embraced it, the Foundation has included many Bay Area institutions among its grantees, including St. Helena Hospital, Queen of the Valley Medical Center in Napa, Stanford University and UC San Francisco. Founded by Julie Allegro, The V Foundation Wine Celebration has grown to be to one of the top-rated charitable auctions in the country. For more information on The V Foundation Wine Celebration, please visit winecelebration.org.

The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity founded by ESPN and Jim Valvano, is pleased to announce a collaboration with the Kansas City Chiefs and The University of Kansas Health System to support critical cancer research. This marks the first time the V Foundation has joined forces with an NFL team to advance its goal of achieving victory over cancer.

“Sports is in the blood of the V Foundation,” said Susan Braun, CEO of the V Foundation.  “It is terrific to join forces with the Chiefs, The University of Kansas Health System and ESPN to defeat a common enemy—cancer.  Research is the avenue, and together, we’ll make it happen.”

The Chiefs and Hunt Family Foundation are contributing $50,000 in the month of October and The University of Kansas Cancer Center will raise $50,000; that $100,000 will be matched by the V Foundation for a junior investigator grant to be awarded to The University of Kansas Cancer Center. The partnership will bring V Foundation resources to the Kansas City area as it funds an emerging researcher in the Chiefs’ community.

“The V Foundation is a premier cancer-focused charity that is a leader in research funding nationwide. We are thrilled to be in a position to help raise this grant money that supports the work that The University of Kansas Cancer Center is doing right here in Kansas City,” Kansas City Chiefs President Mark Donovan said.

To highlight the collaboration, ESPN’s Monday Night Football crew, comprised of analyst Jon Gruden, play-by-play commentator Sean McDonough and sideline reporter Lisa Salters, visited The University of Kansas Hospital to meet with cancer patients on Saturday, September 30. Footage from that visit will air on Monday, October 2 during ESPN’s Monday Night Football matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Washington Redskins to kick-off the collaboration to a national cable television audience.

“By supporting The University of Kansas Cancer Center, we are fostering new therapies to fight cancer, providing new hope for patients, and investing in the health of the Kansas City community as well as this entire region,” said Bob Page, president and chief executive officer of The University of Kansas Health System.

The Chiefs initiative will fund a V Foundation junior investigator grant to support a young tenure-track researcher early in her/his career by funding projects that are either laboratory-based fundamental research or translational research. “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.  We are deeply grateful for these funds,” said Dr. Roy Jensen, director of The University of Kansas Cancer Center.”

During October, the V Foundation’s blog, In Their Own Words, will feature content related to the Cancer Center’s investigator grant and the collaboration between the V Foundation, the Kansas City Chiefs, The University of Kansas Health System and ESPN.

“The Kansas City Chiefs, The University of Kansas Health Systems and the V Foundation have formed a powerful alliance,” said John Skipper, President, ESPN, Inc.; Co-Chairman, Disney Media Networks; and member of the V Foundation Board of Directors. “We applaud their commitment to helping people in their community battle this dreadful disease.”

Follow the V Foundation on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to see more from the collaboration. For more information about the V Foundation, its grant program, or to donate, please visit www.jimmyv.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 basketball coach and ESPN commentator. Since 1993, the Foundation has funded more than $170 million in cancer research grants nationwide. The V Foundation awards 100 percent of direct donations to cancer research and programs. The V Foundation’s endowment covers administrative expenses. The Foundation awards peer-reviewed grants through a competitive awards process strictly supervised by a Scientific Advisory Board. For more information on the V Foundation or to make a donation, please visit www.jimmyv.org.

About ESPN

ESPN, the world’s leading sports entertainment company, features more than 50 assets – eight   U.S. television networks, ESPN International, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, ESPN The Magazine, and more.  ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst.

About the Kansas City Chiefs and 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 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 for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, is excited to announce details regarding the 11^th annual V Week for Cancer Research, to be held November 28 thru December 8, across all ESPN platforms, with additional programming and highlights continuing throughout the month. V Week will encourage supporters to donate to the V Foundation through the theme “Cancer Is,” while sharing stories of patients, researchers, care-givers, loved ones, doctors and nurses.

“As we approach our annual V Week, we can reflect on the tremendous progress we have made every year,” said John Skipper, ESPN President. “All of us have had too many reminders of cancer’s devastating effects and therefore the critical nature of the V Foundation’s cause. During V Week, we take pride in sharing heartfelt stories and inspiring journeys, while documenting the wide-ranging challenges that our friends and loved ones face.”

V Week launches on Giving Tuesday, November 28. On November 29 at 7:00 p.m., ESPN will dedicate all of its platforms to sharing inspirational messages from the late Jim Valvano and others. V Week concludes with the Jimmy V Men’s Basketball Classic. The men’s college basketball doubleheader returns to Madison Square Garden in New York City on December 5, and it will feature an opening game between Syracuse and UConn, followed by a primetime showdown between Gonzaga and Villanova. Notre Dame will take on UConn in the women’s event on December 3 at the XL Center in Hartford, Conn.

“V Week provides the V Foundation an excellent opportunity to reach out to men and women across the country and ask for help in our quest to end cancer,” said Susan Braun, CEO of the V Foundation. ESPN so generously provides platforms for 10 days to make this happen and develops opportunities and content that make this message clear. This year’s theme, “Cancer is…,” teaches us about who cancer touches. We end with our own “Cancer Is” – it is on its way out!”

Throughout V Week, ESPN will highlight the strength of those with cancer and inspire hope by showing stories of survival. During the Jimmy V Men’s Basketball Classic doubleheader, ESPN will recognize some of the many partners that have supported the V Foundation in 2017. Supporters to be recognized include:

• New York Road Runners, for their work with Team V in the 2017 TCS New York City Marathon
• WWE, for their partnership with the V Foundation in support of Connor’s Cure, benefiting pediatric cancer research
• Hooters, for their fundraising initiative “Give a Hoot” in support of breast cancer research
• Constellation Brands Beer Division, for sponsorship of the 2017 Jimmy V Classic

The V Foundation has proudly 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 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 founded by ESPN and Jim Valvano, is pleased to announce a collaboration with the Miami Dolphins, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami and ESPN to support important cancer research.

“Much of our support at the V Foundation is for athletes, teams, leagues and fans,” said Susan Braun, CEO of the V Foundation. “This program with the Dolphins and the NFL helps the V Foundation expand our reach, funding life-saving research. Each day, we follow Jim Valvano’s legendary words, ‘don’t give up . . . don’t ever give up!’”

The Dolphins are proud to host the Dolphins Cancer Challenge (DCC), with a mission to improve people’s lives through financial support for innovative cancer research at South Florida’s only academic-based cancer center – Sylvester. Since its inception, the DCC has raised more than $22.5 million, donating 100 percent of participant-raised funds to research. The DCC continues to solidify its position as the largest event fundraiser in the NFL.

Through the new partnership, the DCC will contribute $100,000 to the V Foundation during the month of December. The funds will be matched by the V Foundation for an Early Career Investigator grant to be awarded at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. The partnership will bring V Foundation resources to the South Florida-area to fund an emerging researcher in the Dolphins’ community.

“We’re proud of the work we have done in the South Florida community to raise critical funds for cancer research,” Dolphins Cancer Challenge Executive Director Jennifer Jehn said. “The DCC is committed to funding researchers and specialists to discover, develop and deliver more targeted therapies leading to the best patient outcomes. This grant will fund an early career researcher at Sylvester who is committed just as we are at the Dolphins to tackling cancer.”

To highlight the collaboration, ESPN’s Monday Night Countdown on Dec. 11 will feature video from a recent Dolphins practice, where a cancer patient, a survivor and their doctor from Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center met with Dolphins players and ESPN commentators, Sean McDonough and Lisa Salters.

“Sylvester and the Miami Dolphins have had a deepening partnership for years, to raise much-needed cancer research dollars that directly benefit our community,” said Stephen D. Nimer, M.D., director of Sylvester. “We are extremely grateful for the involvement of the V Foundation, and its support in helping recognize and enhance the work of one of our most promising young investigators. This support advances our field in ways that help us serve our patients.”

The Dolphins initiative will fund a V Foundation Early Career Investigator grant to support a young tenure-track researcher early in her/his career by funding projects that are either laboratory-based fundamental research or translational research.

During December, the V Foundation’s blog, In Their Own Words, will feature content related to Sylvester’s investigator grant and the collaboration between the V Foundation, the Miami Dolphins and ESPN.

“Pairing up the V Foundation with the Dolphins and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in the fight against cancer was a natural choice,” said Kevin Martinez, ESPN’s Vice President of Corporate Citizenship.  “Our viewers will be excited to see the V Foundation is making an impact in local NFL communities.”

The Dolphins join the Kansas City Chiefs as the second NFL team to help advance the V Foundation’s goal of achieving victory over cancer.

Follow the V Foundation on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to see more from the collaboration. For more information about the V Foundation, its grant program, or to donate, please visit www.jimmyv.org.

About ESPN

ESPN, the world’s leading sports entertainment company, features more than 50 assets – eight   U.S. television networks, ESPN International, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, ESPN The Magazine, and more.  ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst.

About the Dolphins Cancer Challenge

The Dolphins Cancer Challenge (DCC) was founded in 2010 by the Miami Dolphins organization as the signature initiative of the Foundation’s health pillar. The DCC’s mission is to improve people’s lives through financial support for innovative cancer research at South Florida’s only academic-based cancer center – Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami. Since its inception, the DCC has raised more than $22.5 million, donating 100 percent of participant-raised funds to Sylvester. For additional information, visit DolphinsCancerChallenge.

About Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center

Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of UHealth – the University of Miami Health System and the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, is among the nation’s leading cancer centers and South Florida’s only Cancer Center of Excellence. A 2015 study by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, published in The Journal of the American Medical Association, showed that cancer patients treated at Sylvester have a 10 percent higher chance of survival than those treated at nearly any other cancer center in the nation. With the combined strength of more than 120 cancer researchers and 130 cancer specialists, Sylvester discovers, develops and delivers more targeted therapies, providing the next generation of cancer clinical care – precision cancer medicine – to each patient. Our comprehensive diagnostics, coupled with teams of scientific and clinical experts who specialize in just one type of cancer, enable us to better understand each patient’s individual cancer and develop treatments that target the cells and genes driving the cancer’s growth and survival, leading to better outcomes. At Sylvester, patients have access to more treatment options and more cancer clinical trials than most hospitals in the southeastern United States. To better serve current and future patients, Sylvester has a network of conveniently located outpatient treatment facilities in Miami, Coral Gables, Kendall, Hollywood, Plantation, Deerfield Beach and Coral Springs. For more information, visit Sylvester.org.

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 13th Annual Dick Vitale Gala raised a record-breaking $3.7 million for pediatric cancer research. Held in Sarasota, Fla., the Gala hosted hundreds of supporters and celebrities to further groundbreaking advancements in childhood cancer research while celebrating this year’s Gala honorees. With the addition of this year’s funds, the Dick Vitale Gala has raised $25 million to help defeat the leading cause of death by disease in American children.

“What a night!  All the stars came out and it was a SLAM DUNK, BABY!” said Vitale.  “We’re very excited about the funds we have been able to raise for pediatric cancer research, and are hopeful that we are getting closer to finding a cure for this dreadful disease! Thank you to everyone for helping us reach our goal!”

This year’s sold-out event honored ESPN television and radio personality Mike Greenberg, Florida State University Head Men’s Basketball Coach Leonard Hamilton and University of Michigan Head Football Coach Jim Harbaugh. On top of being one of the night’s honorees and speaking to those in attendance, Greenberg is donating 100% of all author proceeds from his newest children’s book, MVP: Most Valuable Puppy, to pediatric cancer research through the V Foundation. Hamilton and Harbaugh also addressed the Gala crowd.

Vitale continues to recruit celebrities in the fight against cancer, drawing dozens of stars to Sarasota for the event. Notable NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball coaches in attendance included all four 2018 NCAA Final Four Coaches: Jay Wright (Villanova University), John Beilein (University of Michigan), Bill Self (University of Kansas) and Porter Moser (Loyola University Chicago). Other notable personalities in attendance included newest V Foundation Board Member, former NBA star and co-founder of the Admiral Capital Group, David Robinson; former NBA star Grant Hill, ESPN talents Shelley Smith and Kevin Negandhi; Georgia Tech University Men’s Basketball Coach Josh Pastner and Notre Dame University Men’s Basketball Coach Mike Brey; University of Georgia Men’s Basketball Coach Tom Crean; former NBA coach and current TV analyst Mike Fratello and former NBA star and University of Central Florida Men’s Basketball Coach Johnny Dawkins. The Soul Sensations provided the evening’s entertainment.

“Inspirational – that’s the best word to describe the Vitale Gala,” said Susan Braun, Chief Executive Officer of the V Foundation. “Athletes, coaches, media personalities, business leaders and a host of supporters of the V coming together with one purpose: to raise money that funds outstanding research that will help us cure pediatric cancers. We are grateful and humbled by this generous outpouring of support.”

During the Gala, Vitale and the V Foundation announced this year’s event will fund two special grants in memory of Chad Carr and Tony Colton. Carr, of Saline, Mich., was 5 years old when he passed away in November 2015 from an aggressive brain cancer called DIPG (diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma). The kindergartener had been diagnosed only 15 months before. After several years of treatment, Colton, 17, of Sarasota, passed away in July 2017. He was heavily involved with his community and focused on improving the lives of other children diagnosed with cancer. In 2014, he lobbied on Capitol Hill for more pediatric cancer research funding.

Vitale also recognized two special guests with the John Saunders V Foundation Award for Courage. ESPN talents Chris Berman and Shelley Smith were honored with the award for their dedication to raising awareness and funds for cancer research.

The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity founded by Jim Valvano and ESPN, through a collaboration with the Dolphins Cancer Challenge (DCC), is pleased to announce Dr. Sara Mijares St. George of Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center has been awarded a $200,000 Early Career Investigator Grant for her work in creating a program that will use the internet and mobile devices to help Hispanic and black female cancer survivors lead their families in keeping a healthy weight.

“Obesity is the second leading preventable cause of cancer behind smoking. Not only does it increase one’s risk of getting cancer, it also increases the risk of mortality in those already diagnosed with cancer,” said St. George. “This makes the prevention and treatment of obesity an important priority. I’m excited to explore innovative ways to empower female cancer survivors to help their families lead healthy lifestyles.”

The grant was made possible through the new Blitz Cancer program, a collaboration between the V Foundation and ESPN that provides pro football teams an opportunity to support local cancer research. The Miami Dolphins and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center partnership was announced in December 2017. An Early Career Investigator Grant supports a young tenure-track researcher early in her/his career by funding projects that are either laboratory-based fundamental research or translational research. St. George’s project will use smartphones and tablets to help connect Hispanic and black female cancer survivors of different ages. Specifically, her project aims to improve the weight, physical activity and dietary quality of cancer survivors, their children and grandchildren.

“These funds and the work of Dr. St. George are another step in our goal to tackle cancer. At the Dolphins Cancer Challenge, we’re proud to support the innovative work and targeted therapies Sylvester is doing in the field of cancer research here in South Florida,” DCC Executive Director Jennifer Jehn said.

Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami Health System is among the nation’s leading cancer centers and South Florida’s only Cancer Center of Excellence. St. George is an Assistant Professor of Public Health Sciences at the University of Miami Health System.

“Identifying and addressing health disparities that contribute to increased cancer risk is a top priority at Sylvester,” said Dr. Stephen Nimer, director of Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. “Dr. St. George’s work focusing on Hispanic and black female cancer survivors will provide important information so we can best serve our patients and their families.”

The DCC contributed $100,000 to the V Foundation during the month of December. The funds were then matched by the V Foundation. St. George will receive the $200,000 grant in two installments of $100,000. The partnership brings V Foundation resources to the South Florida-area to fund emerging research in the Dolphins’ community.

“The V Foundation is delighted and proud to partner with the Dolphins. Funding great research, in collaboration with friends, is a sure equation for Victory Over Cancer®,” said Susan Braun, CEO of the V Foundation.

About ESPN Corporate Citizenship
ESPN believes that, at its very best, sports uplifts the human spirit. Its corporate citizenship programs use the 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 Dolphins Cancer Challenge

The Dolphins Cancer Challenge (DCC) was founded in 2010 by the Miami Dolphins organization as the signature initiative of the Foundation’s health impact area. The DCC’s mission is to improve people’s lives through financial support for innovative cancer research at South Florida’s only academic-based cancer center – Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami. Since its inception, the DCC has raised more than $27 million, donating 100 percent of participant-raised funds to Sylvester. For additional information, visit DolphinsCancerChallenge.

About Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center

Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of UHealth – the University of Miami Health System and the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, is among the nation’s leading cancer centers and South Florida’s only Cancer Center of Excellence. A 2015 study by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, published in The Journal of the American Medical Association, showed that cancer patients treated at Sylvester have a 10 percent higher chance of survival than those treated at nearly any other cancer center in the nation. With the combined strength of more than 120 cancer researchers and 130 cancer specialists, Sylvester discovers, develops and delivers more targeted therapies, providing the next generation of cancer clinical care – precision cancer medicine – to each patient. Our comprehensive diagnostics, coupled with teams of scientific and clinical experts who specialize in just one type of cancer, enable us to better understand each patient’s individual cancer and develop treatments that target the cells and genes driving the cancer’s growth and survival, leading to better outcomes. At Sylvester, patients have access to more treatment options and more cancer clinical trials than most hospitals in the southeastern United States. To better serve current and future patients, Sylvester has a network of conveniently located outpatient treatment facilities in Miami, Coral Gables, Kendall, Hollywood, Plantation, Deerfield Beach and Coral Springs. For more information, visit Sylvester.org.