The V Foundation for Cancer Research Eclipses the $75.1 Million Mark in Total Fundraising to Address Cancer Health Inequities

Cary, NC (December 12, 2024) – The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, has eclipsed the $75.1 million mark in fundraising over the past decade to address cancer health inequities. Over the same time frame, nearly 13% of V Foundation research grants have gone to underrepresented researchers. The National Institutes of Health award approximately 3% of research grants to underrepresented researchers. These announcements were made at the fourth annual Boo-Yah Gala & Auction fundraising event on Wednesday, December 11, at the Edison Ballroom in New York City.

“The time for incremental progress is over,” said Shane Jacobson, CEO of the V Foundation for Cancer Research. “The V Foundation is taking bold, innovative approaches to address cancer disparities. We have an unwavering commitment to eradicate disparities and health inequities. We know this isn’t enough, but this is transformative growth over the past decade because of donors and sponsors, including support from our founding partner, ESPN.”

The $75.1 million is focused on disparities in cancer outcomes and through investing in diversifying the cancer research talent pipeline. This ensures that underrepresented research communities get their fair shot at achieving Victory Over Cancer®. Putting the V Foundation over the top of the $75.1 million mark was $3 million raised Wednesday night at the gala.

Named in tribute to the legendary Stuart Scott’s iconic catchphrase, the annual Boo-Yah Gala & Auction celebrates his enduring spirit and unwavering commitment to fighting cancer. This year’s event, where fundraising included a $500,000 anonymous donor match, capped a decade of tremendous impact.

Stuart Scott was a revered sports icon and an ardent advocate for cancer research, focusing on improving outcomes for minority populations disproportionately affected by the disease. Shortly after his passing in 2015 – and as part of its commitment to health equity – the V Foundation established the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund with ESPN in memory of the beloved sportscaster.

The need to address cancer disparities has never been more urgent. Survival is lower in Black people compared to White people for almost every cancer type. Black men have the highest overall cancer mortality rate – 19% higher than White men. The cancer mortality rates in black women are 12% higher compared to white women. American Indians and Alaska Natives have the highest overall incidence and mortality rate in men and women combined. Hispanic people, compared to non-Hispanic Whites, have one of the highest rates of infection-related cancers.

“Stuart’s larger-than-life presence on air, his legacy and his story resonated with me,” said Deborah Roberts, co-host of the Boo-Yah Gala, an ABC News 20/20 co-anchor and New York Times bestselling author. “I have been deeply affected by cancer in my own family, which made his journey more heartfelt. Unfortunately, Black individuals and people of underrepresented backgrounds can have a different experience than white counterparts, which is why we must raise awareness and funds to break this stigma and save lives. I’m extremely proud to partner with the V Foundation for Cancer Research to honor Stuart’s life and this cause – to better the next generation through research aiming to eliminate disparities in cancer.”

The 2024 Boo-Yah event was proudly presented by Bristol Myers Squibb, Disney and TKO Group Holdings. Hearst was a Platinum Sponsor. Contributing to the fundraising efforts was a lively auction of 10 exclusive experiences, including VIP tickets to the Kentucky Derby, and the two highest bid items, a trip to the 2025 ESPY Award Show and ESPYS Celebrity Golf Classic and VIP access to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans.

To learn more about the Boo-Yah event and the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund, please visit v.org/booyahnyc.

About the V Foundation for Cancer Research:
The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State University basketball coach, ESPN commentator and member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The V Foundation has funded nearly $400 million in game-changing cancer research grants in North America through a competitive process strictly supervised by a world-class Scientific Advisory Committee. Because the V Foundation has an endowment to cover administrative expenses, 100% of direct donations is awarded to cancer research and programs. The V team is committed to funding the best scientists to accelerate Victory Over Cancer® and save lives. To learn more, visit v.org.

Media Contact:
Alexandra Paterson: apaterson@v.org