Basketball Program Unites Universities and Communities to End Childhood Cancer Through Vitale Pediatric Fund
Cary, NC [August 5, 2021] –The V Foundation for Cancer Research and Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation are partnering to launch Dribble for Victory Over Cancer, a national event series uniting universities and communities to end childhood cancer. Individuals, families, clubs and teams will raise funds and awareness for pediatric cancer research while dribbling through short on-campus courses and engaging in other activities. Participants will have the opportunity to meet college basketball players, coaches and alumni. Proceeds will support research for childhood cancers through the Dick Vitale Fund for Pediatric Cancer at the V Foundation.
Dribble for Victory Over Cancer expands on an existing successful community program founded by Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation and hosted by UCLA and St. John’s University. Since 2008, the two universities have collectively raised over $2 million for pediatric cancer research, giving kids and their families battling cancer a chance for brighter tomorrows. Participating college men’s and women’s teams will host Dribble events at their schools in early fall, prior to the start of the basketball season.
“Over the past 30 years, I’ve been inspired by so many courageous children who’ve battled cancer. Cancer is the leading disease-related cause of death for children over one year old, yet only minimal federal funding is directed to pediatric cancer research,” said V Foundation Board Member and ESPN Sports Commentator Dick Vitale. “Bringing the Dribble program to leading universities is a great way for men’s and women’s teams to have a huge impact on kids fighting this terrible disease.”
More than 15,000 U.S. children and adolescents are diagnosed each year with cancer. The Vitale Pediatric Fund has awarded nearly $55 million in grants to the nation’s best researchers working to reduce the long-term and harsh side effects of cancer and its treatments, create gentler therapies explicitly designed for kids and to give the precious gift of more time to children suffering from cancer. Private funding of pediatric research has become critical.
“We’re fighting for the future of kids with cancer,” Jeri Wilson, Executive Director, Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation. “We hope and expect the partnership with the V Foundation and Dick Vitale will add national star power and visibility to the Dribble events, igniting public engagement and contributions for research.”
The V Foundation funds game-changing research and all-star scientists to accelerate victory over cancer and save lives. Currently holding 10 consecutive 4-star (highest) ratings from Charity Navigator, America’s largest evaluator of charities, the Foundation is among the top 2% of all charities evaluated. The V Foundation is also a GuideStar Platinum-rated charity. For more information on Dribble for Victory Over Cancer or the Dick Vitale Fund for Pediatric Cancer please visit v.org/dribble.
About the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation
Determined to transform pediatric cancer care via accelerating research breakthroughs, the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation has one goal: to make it possible for all children facing childhood cancer to beat their disease and realize their full potential. Overseen by scientific thought leaders, its rigorous and competitive process for awarding research grants has contributed to pivotal advancements in the areas of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Immunotherapy/CAR T cells, Osteosarcoma, Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia, and Acute Myeloid Leukemia. The Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation is a GuideStar Platinum-rated charity and has been ranked as an accredited charity by the Better Business Bureau. Its actions and commitment are encapsulated in its inspiring motto: Powering Cures, Realizing Futures. For more information, please visit www.PCRF-kids.org or follow us @PCRF_KIDS.
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 University basketball coach and ESPN commentator. The V Foundation has funded more than $260 million in cancer research grants nationwide. Event proceeds benefit cancer research funded by the V Foundation. The Foundation awards game-changing grants through a competitive process strictly supervised by a Scientific Advisory Committee. For more information on the V Foundation, please visit v.org.
