The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, is excited to announce that Bristol-Myers Squibb Company has provided a $2.5 million donation to the V Foundation for cancer survivorship research. The grant will be used by the V Foundation to fund biomedical cancer research through its Robin Roberts Fund for Cancer Survivorship. Through this fund, the V Foundation has committed to improving the long-term health and wellness of oncology patients after treatment. Announced in December 2017, the Robin Roberts Cancer Survivorship Fund was named in honor of Robin Roberts, a member of the V Foundation’s Board of Directors and co-anchor of ABC’s “Good Morning America.” The grant was announced last night at the ESPYs on the red carpet by Susan Braun, Chief Executive Officer of the V Foundation.
“Just as Jim Valvano would have wanted, we have made amazing strides in cancer research – the wonderful science funded by the V Foundation is helping to create millions of survivors,” said Robin Roberts. “But for those survivors, it is a long journey and our health will always be at the forefront of our minds. As the number of survivors grow, it’s time to take a look at how the rest of our lives will be lived. We want to give every survivor the best chance at a long, full, happy and healthy life. I’m so pleased to be a part of this new initiative.”
As research has led to improvements in treatments, there are more cancer survivors than ever. Today, there are more than 16 million U.S. cancer survivors and this number is expected to grow to 20 million by 2026. Survivors face chronic health conditions, cancer recurrence and more life-altering circumstances. The Robin Roberts Cancer Survivorship Fund will focus on biomedical cancer research areas with particular relevance to survivors including pediatrics, immuno-oncology and data science research focused on improving survivors’ outcomes.
“Research to better understand how to improve the health and extend the lives of cancer survivors is critical to fully eradicating cancer,” said Braun. “The V Foundation is embarking on this new initiative to expand the ways that we can change the face of cancer forever.”
Roberts has been a longtime friend and supporter of the V Foundation and was a colleague of Jim Valvano’s at ESPN, prior to joining “Good Morning America.” In 2007, Roberts was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her ensuing battle has been recognized with honors and awards by various organizations throughout the country. She inspired so many as she bravely shared her personal battle with the rare blood disorder myelodysplastic syndrome, or MDS, shortly after breast cancer. Roberts speaks openly about the importance of early detection, increasing treatment options available and support. She is an inspiration and role model for those battling cancer, as well as survivors facing continued challenges. Roberts announced the formation of the Robin Roberts Cancer Survivorship Fund on December 4, 2017 at a party in her honor at Blue Smoke in New York.
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.
Please visit www.jimmyv.org/RobinRoberts to contribute to the Robin Roberts Fund for Cancer Survivorship Research.
