The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, is excited to announce details regarding the 11th 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.
