The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, and ESPN are excited to announce the 2019 ESPY Week raised significant dollars for cancer research. Events during the week included the 15th annual ESPYS Auction, the fifth annual Sports Humanitarian Awards and the 19th annual ESPY Celebrity Golf Classic. Also included in the fundraising total is a donation from Bristol-Myers Squibb. Donations from ESPY Week will benefit the V Foundation, with the Sports Humanitarian Awards and ESPY Celebrity Golf Classic specifically supporting the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund. ESPN and the V Foundation are united in their commitment to achieve Victory Over Cancer®.
“Victory Over Cancer® is a mighty goal that takes a strong team to achieve,” said Susan Braun, CEO of the V Foundation for Cancer Research. “The V Foundation is so grateful to every donor and participant for helping us move forward toward that goal. Special thanks to all the employees at ESPN whose creative energy and unerring support make us successful during ESPY week and throughout the year.”
The 2019 ESPYS were hosted by Tracy Morgan and presented by Capital One. As mentioned, contributions from this year’s Sports Humanitarian Awards and ESPY Celebrity Golf Classic will benefit the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund, which funds minority researchers and supports investigators studying cancer disparities among minorities. The fund was created in loving remembrance of Stuart Scott, a longtime ESPN anchor and V Foundation supporter. New at the Sports Humanitarian Awards was the Billie Jean King Youth Leadership Award sponsored by Anthem Foundation, also in support of the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund. This award celebrates the legendary sports icon’s commitment to leadership and service, and it honors high school and college-aged students who, like Billie Jean King, use sports to improve their communities.
“Under the leadership of the V Foundation, in partnership with ESPN, we continue to believe that the fight against cancer is being WON by research,” said Taelor and Sydni Scott, Stuart Scott’s daughters. “We are particularly inspired by the impact that this research is making in closing the gap in health disparities for families like ours. For those who are in the fight or love someone who is, just know that you are not invisible and you are not alone. … The fight belongs to us all!”
Bristol-Myers Squibb has been very generous year after year supporting cancer research funded by the V Foundation. This year on the red carpet, Bristol-Myers Squibb announced a $1.2 million contribution to the Robin Roberts Thrivership Fund. The fund supports research for the biomedical needs of cancer survivors. In addition, Bristol-Myers Squibb was the presenting sponsor of the Sports Humanitarian Awards, which celebrates and honors leagues, teams, individuals and members of the sporting community that use the power of sport to make a positive impact on society.
“Cancer survivorship is now coming to the forefront,” said Robin Roberts, a V Foundation Board member and cancer survivor. “While cancer prevention and treatment are critical, helping survivors thrive is also important. I’m thrilled to be part of the V Foundation team in making this happen.”
