The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, is excited to announce a new fund in honor of Robin Roberts, a member of the V Foundation’s Board of Directors and co-anchor of ABC’s “Good Morning America.” An event was held to announce the formation of the Robin Roberts Fund for Cancer Survivorship Research at Blue Smoke in New York City on December 4 to an intimate group of friends and supporters of the V Foundation.
“Cancer survivorship is finally coming to the forefront. While cancer prevention and treatment are critical, helping survivors thrive is equally important,” said Roberts. “I’m thrilled to be part of the V Foundation team in making this happen.”
The event raised more than $150,000 to support translational research to improve the quality of life for oncology patients (adult or pediatric) after treatment. Supported research will include work on patient precision medicine to decrease severe adverse events, research to investigate the role of genetics in the development of cancer recurrence and research to advance early detection of recurrent and secondary cancers using innovative approaches. In addition to fundraising at the event, the V Foundation announced a grant from Bristol-Myers Squibb to fund research focused on cancer survivorship challenges.
Among those attending the event were Amy Robach, News Anchor for ABC’s “Good Morning America;” Deborah Roberts, correspondent for ABC News; Political Consultant Mary Matalin; Political Commentator James Carville; and award-winning actor Christian Hoff.
“Research has led to significant improvements in cancer treatments and more survivors than ever” said George Bodenheimer, V Foundation board member and Not a Moment to Lose campaign chair. “More than 15 million people have survived cancer in the U.S., and through the Robin Roberts Fund for Cancer Survivorship Research, we will be able to focus valuable research dollars toward their unique health challenges.”
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 and faced her diagnosis with courage. Her ensuing battle has been recognized with honors and awards by various organizations throughout the country, including the Dick Vitale Gala in 2016. She inspired so many as she bravely shared her personal battle with the rare blood disorder myelodysplastic syndrome, or MDS, shortly after breast cancer.
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.
Visit jimmyv.org/RobinRoberts to contribute to the Robin Roberts Fund for Cancer Survivorship Research.
