CARY, NC (November 2, 2023) – The V Foundation for Cancer Research and Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation (PCRF) announced another successful year of the Dribble for Victory Over Cancer event series, raising over $366,000 for groundbreaking pediatric cancer research at top institutions nationwide. This is the highest amount raised in a single year since the event began in 2008. This year’s events were hosted at four university campuses around the country: University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, St. John’s University, Duke University, and University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA).
College sports fans and community members were invited to join coaches, basketball players and other student-athletes to dribble a one-mile course around each campus’s key landmarks. Participants could register for the event as individuals or teams, and the funds raised at each school’s Dribble event will be granted to scientists who are at the forefront of pediatric cancer research.
“Dribble for Victory Over Cancer showcases what a powerful force the college basketball community is, especially when it’s for a cause as important as pediatric cancer,” said Shane Jacobson, Chief Executive Officer at the V Foundation. “Together with Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation, four outstanding universities and an incredible group of basketball fans and supporters, we’re funding lifesaving research that will benefit young patients and their families for generations to come.”
Each event began with an opening ceremony where attendees heard from a local cancer researcher about the impact and importance of pediatric cancer research and how these fundraising events play a critical role. The ceremony also recognized the top fundraisers and announced the day’s “honorary captains,” pediatric cancer patients and survivors, as well as families participating in honor of children they’ve lost. The honorary captains then kicked off the Dribble event, leading hundreds of participants at each school through the course and dribbling alongside the college basketball teams.
“My wife Marcelle and I are honored to continue Duke Basketball’s involvement in the Dribble for Victory Over Cancer. What an incredible nationwide initiative that supports the V Foundation and the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation, along with Duke Children’s, that are fighting the good fight to eradicate childhood cancer,” said Duke men’s basketball coach Jon Scheyer.
Since the first Dribble event in 2008, which was held on UCLA’s campus with Coach Steve Lavin, the program has expanded to universities nationwide and raised over $2.5 million for cancer research. These events also increase awareness about the unique challenges pediatric patients face, including limited federal funding for research and lack of treatment options designed specifically for children’s growing bodies.
“The Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation has been proud to share this program with universities over the past 16 years,” said Jeri Wilson, Executive Director at PCRF. “Joining together with college teams, local donors, alumni and the hospitals that take care of our children, this program allows so many to support research while doing something fun. This event makes it possible for all children facing childhood cancer to beat their disease and achieve their full potential so they can realize happy, healthy, productive futures.”
While there has been promising progress, including a dramatic increase in the five-year survival rate for children and adolescents (ages 0-19) since the 1970s, there is still an urgent need to better understand the disease, create targeted treatment options and ensure every child has the healthy future they deserve.
The money raised at Dribble for Victory Over Cancer will be granted to top pediatric researchers through the Dick Vitale Pediatric Cancer Research Fund. To date, the V Foundation has awarded almost $66.7 million in research grants to end pediatric cancer. For more information about future Dribble for Victory Over Cancer events, or to donate, please visit thedribble.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 University basketball coach and ESPN commentator. The V Foundation has funded over $310 million in game-changing cancer research grants nationwide through a competitive process strictly supervised by a world-class Scientific Advisory Committee and ad-hoc reviewers. Because the V Foundation has an endowment to cover administrative expenses, 100% of direct donations is awarded to cancer research and programs. The V Foundation is committed to accelerating Victory Over Cancer®. To learn more, visit v.org.
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.
Media Contact:
Rebecca Erquitt
rerquitt@v.org
