V Week 2024
V Foundation funded cancer research has had a proven positive impact over time. V Foundation funded researchers, throughout their careers, have been connected to 1,000+ clinical trials and generated over $20 billion in cancer research.
Cancer research is changing the game. Today, there are 18.1 million cancer survivors in the U.S. That number is expected to rise to 22.1 million by 2030. These advancements are only possible because of research.
The V Foundation has awarded nearly $400 million in cancer research grants since Jim Valvano took the stage at the 1993 ESPYS. The V Foundation has funded 1,334 grantees who are working on more targeted therapies and the treatments of the future. We fund the best of the best. And more support is needed as cancer continues to be the second-leading cause of death in the United States.
Jim’s 1993 ESPYS Speech
The V Foundation was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary NC State basketball coach and ESPN commentator. ESPN’s V Week utilizes the worldwide leader in sports’ premier platforms to raise awareness and critical funds among sports fans about the importance of cancer research.
V Week begins Monday, December 2 and runs through Sunday, December 15. Team up with us as we come together with one goal – achieve Victory Over Cancer®.
This year’s Jimmy V Classic will feature a handful of the best programs across men’s and women’s college basketball. Named for legendary college men’s basketball coach and former ESPN commentator Jim Valvano, the event annually raises money and awareness for the V Foundation for Cancer Research.
The men’s classic began in 1995, and the women’s event debuted in 2002. Both events are part of ESPN’s V Week, which utilizes platforms to provide messaging to sports fans about the importance of cancer research.
Key V Week Programming Events
Tuesday, December 3
Giving Tuesday
Wednesday, December 4
Roadblock of Jim’s Speech
Tuesday, December 10
Men’s Jimmy V Classic
Saturday, December 14
UFC Fight Like Hell Night
Sunday, December 15
Women’s Jimmy V Classic
James Rolf Blizzard: Running for Victory
James Rolf was shocked when he was faced with a cancer diagnosis. But, perseverance and strong treatment options kept him positive through his journey.
Rick Barnes: a Game, a Friendship, a Cause
Tennessee men’s basketball coach Rick Barnes highlights Jim Valvano’s tremendous impact, and Coach Barnes’ friendship with Dick Vitale.
Tammie Johnson: Leader, Thriver and Advocate
After overcoming her own diagnosis, Tammie is passionate about sharing her story and elevating research for others.
My Cause, My Cleats
Josh Paschal, Detroit Lions
In conjunction with the NFL’s My Cause, My Cleats initiative, Josh Paschal of the Detroit Lions will dedicate his cleats to the V Foundation to show his passion for cancer research. Paschal has been a supporter of the V Foundation since his diagnosis at the University of Kentucky.
BOO-YAH!
Boo-Yah is a unique event that makes a significant impact on racial disparities in cancer outcomes by funding grants through the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund. Guests will honor the 10-year anniversary of Stuart Scott’s ESPYS speech while enjoying a vintner reception of the best wines from Northern California, cheer on teams at the Jimmy V Classic, learn about the great work of the V Foundation grantees and have the chance to win one-of-a-kind auction experiences with an after party to follow.
St. Louis Blues Launch Cancer Research Project Powered by the V Foundation
The Blues and Siteman Cancer Center will host their 2024 Hockey Fights Cancer Night on Thursday, December 12, where they will once again partner with the V Foundation to kickoff a new cancer research fundraising campaign.
Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund
The V Foundation and ESPN established the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund in memory of beloved ESPN sportscaster Stuart Scott after he passed away in 2015. Stuart was a champion for cancer research and was especially driven to improve outcomes for African Americans and underserved communities disproportionately affected by the disease.
ESPN is committed to putting an end to cancer and has been proud to support the V Foundation for Cancer Research ever since ESPN commentator Jim Valvano echoed his famous words, “Don’t Give Up … Don’t Ever Give Up!”® at the 1993 ESPYs. ESPN’s passionate dedication has raised much-needed awareness and dollars for critical cancer research, bringing us closer to achieving Victory Over Cancer®.
The National Hockey League (NHL), the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) and the V Foundation have teamed up for Hockey Fights Cancer™ to accelerate cancer research.
The National Hockey League (NHL), the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) and the V Foundation have teamed up for Hockey Fights Cancer™ to accelerate cancer research.
