The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, is pleased to announce that Team V, the V Foundation’s endurance fundraising program, raised nearly $350,000 during its participation in the 2019 TCS New York City Marathon on November 3. This year marked the 49th running of the TCS New York City Marathon, with more than 53,000 finishers. Team V runners raised money to fund premier cancer research nationwide through the V Foundation.
“On average, I’ve run one marathon every year since I started medical school.” said Emma Holliday, a Team V runner and a radiation oncologist at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. “I usually run for myself, for my physical and mental health. This year, I am running for my patients: past, present and future. I see every day what a difference cutting-edge research makes for our patients with cancer. I am so proud to be able to raise money for the V Foundation as they support research that gives more and better options to my patients!”
This year’s TCS New York City Marathon Team V had 76 members. Brian Yurko led fundraising, with more than $10,000, as he ran his first-ever marathon for friends and family that have been affected by cancer. Melissa Smith, another Team V member, was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2010. Love and support from her family and friends helped her make it through the rigorous chemotherapy regiment required to address the inoperable mass in her chest.
“I feel like it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to run this race,” said Smith. “So many people diagnosed with cancer may not ever get to see their dreams come true, so I do this for all my friends, family and strangers that are burdened by this disease. I am one of the lucky ones that get to show the world we don’t ever give up!”
Since 2014, Team V has raised more than $3 million for cancer research through runners’ participation in endurance events across the country, including the TCS New York City Marathon, Boston Marathon and Tobacco Road Marathon & Half Marathon. The TCS New York City Marathon covers all five boroughs of the city, while attracting over 50,000 participants and finishers. To participate in this bucket-list race, each Team V member made a minimum fundraising commitment of $3,500.
“Team V is an incredible group of runners,” said Allie Bigelow, Manager of the Team V program. “I am inspired by the tenacity and dedication this team has shown as they have raised funds to benefit the V Foundation while also preparing for the marathon itself. It is no small feat to juggle these tasks with their already busy lives, and we are grateful for their dedication and proud of their determination. What a spectacular team!”
The V Foundation has proudly awarded more than $225 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 cancer charities evaluated. The V Foundation is a GuideStar platinum-rated charity.
For more information and to register for Team V, please visit v.org/teamv.
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