The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated research charity, is excited to announce the third annual Evening with Robin Roberts raised more than $700,000 for the Robin Roberts Thrivership Fund to support cancer survivorship research. The intimate event was held at Bay Room in New York City on December 9 and included a cocktail reception, dinner and an auction. Robin Roberts, a member of the V Foundation’s Board of Directors and co-anchor of ABC’s “Good Morning America,” calls herself a “thriver” after overcoming breast cancer and myelodysplastic syndrome.
During the evening, Roberts spoke to supporters about the aftereffects of cancer treatments and the importance of survivorship research. Roberts awarded Olympic gold medal-winning figure skater Scott Hamilton with the inaugural V Foundation Thriver Award. The award is given annually to someone who is a cancer survivor and an advocate for cancer research. Hamilton has battled testicular cancer and brain cancer. Hamilton is a motivational speaker and advocates for advancements in cancer research, education and survivorship through his Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation (Cancer Alliance for Research, Education and Survivorship).
“What an amazing evening of food, friends and fundraising! I’m heartened to see this V Foundation event double in size, and I am thrilled to recognize Scott Hamilton with the inaugural Thriver Award,” said Roberts. “Scott’s passion for the cause inspires me, and I am so proud to team up with him to change the lives of cancer patients. Survivorship is such an important research initiative, and through our support, we can turn every survivor into a thriver.”
In honor of Roberts, the V Foundation established the fund in her name in 2017 to provide competitive grants for urgently needed research into the biological basis and prevention of common long-term adverse effects experienced by survivors. More than $6 million will be directed towards grants geared to reduce the long-term complications of cancer treatment for survivors.
Roberts has been a longtime friend and supporter of the V Foundation and was Jim Valvano’s colleague at ESPN. In 2007, Roberts was diagnosed with breast cancer, and she inspired millions as she bravely shared her personal battle with the rare blood disorder myelodysplastic syndrome, or MDS, shortly after her breast cancer diagnosis.
“Robin Roberts is a true champion of life! When faced with cancer, she shared her journey in the most generous and extraordinary way,” said Hamilton. “She inspires me. She makes me want to do more for people living with cancer. I’m honored to know her and am grateful to be the first ever Thrivership honoree!”
The auction included exclusive wine experiences, tickets to a Duke University vs. UNC-Chapel Hill men’s basketball match-up and a package for four to the Scott Hamilton & Friends Ice Show.
“Advances in cancer research have been life saving,” said Susan Braun, CEO of the V Foundation. “That is a blessing for millions who live with cancer. To then thrive, be able to live life fully, is a vision of hope and promise. That is the vision of the Robin Roberts Cancer Thrivership Fund.”
The V Foundation has proudly awarded more than $250 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 3% of all charities evaluated. The V Foundation is a GuideStar platinum-rated charity.
Please visit v.org/RobinRoberts to contribute to the Robin Roberts Cancer Thrivership Fund.
