The V Foundation for Cancer Research Celebrates 20th Anniversary

CARY, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a leading nonprofit funder of cancer research, is celebrating its 20 year anniversary beginning today, March 4, 2013. ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary NC State men’s basketball coach and ESPN commentator, first announced the creation of The V Foundation during Valvano’s acceptance speech of the Arthur Ashe Courage and Humanitarian Award at the 1993 ESPY Awards show. Since its formation, The V Foundation has awarded more than $100 million nationwide for research into all types of cancers.

“The V Foundation is a leader in the war against cancer by providing high-impact funding in the hands of the nation’s most promising physicians and scientists”

“The V Foundation is a leader in the war against cancer by providing high-impact funding in the hands of the nation’s most promising physicians and scientists,” said Susan Braun, CEO of The V Foundation. “Funding the right research will lead to longer lives, better treatments, earlier diagnoses, and eventually to preventing cancer.”

To launch its 20^th anniversary, The V Foundation is awarding a one million dollar grant for research and diagnostics of the cancers affecting 9/11 first responders who worked at the World Trade Center site. The grant, presented to Albert Einstein College, will fund research to study early detection of hematological cancers affecting those diagnosed with diseases linked to toxic dust and debris.

The V Foundation awards grants through a competitive process supervised by a Scientific Advisory Board comprised of some of the nation’s top doctors and scientists. “I have been very fortunate during my time as Chairman to work with this outstanding scientific board,” said Bob Lloyd, Chairman of the Board of The V Foundation. “These men and women have devoted countless hours to The V Foundation and made enormous contributions to its growth.”

Twenty years ago, Jim Valvano presented the world with the inspiring ESPY Awards speech culminating in his popular motto, “Don’t give up… Don’t ever give up!”®. Now, The V Foundation aims to “Pass the V” and Valvano’s message, challenging the next generation to expedite the fight against cancer.

“My brother Jim would be extremely proud of all we have accomplished in the past 20 years,” said Nick Valvano, President Emeritus of The V Foundation. “The grants we’ve awarded and relationships we’ve built reflect on our dedication to fulfilling Jim’s dream of finding cures for cancer.”

The V Foundation for Cancer Research:

• Awards 100 percent of all direct donations to cancer research and related programs
• Has awarded nearly 500 research grants for research for all types of cancers nationwide
• Is rated a 4-Star charity (out of 4) by Charity Navigator, the country’s premier charity evaluator

For more information about The V Foundation and for ways to “Pass the V,” please visit www.jimmyv.org or call 1-800-4JIMMYV.

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 $100 million in cancer research grants nationwide. It awards 100 percent of all direct cash donations to cancer research and related programs. Administrative and fundraising expenses are paid by their endowment. The Foundation distributes 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.