Today is 20th anniversary of Jim Valvano's famous "Don't Ever Give Up" speech

March 4th commemorates the 20th anniversary of Jim Valvano's memorable ESPY speech in which he announced that with ESPN, he would be forming The V Foundation for Cancer Research.

The Foundation kick-offs its 20 year anniversary this year and the money it has funded through donations have helped enormously in the battle against cancer that Dick Vitale has spearheaded.

The V Foundation has contributed to the fight against cancer with made many grants and donations. One significant example is a recent breakthrough by Dr. Reuben Harris and Dr. Douglass Yee of the University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center.

Their work with others over the years has led to the discovery of an enzyme that is believed to be the probable source of many genetic mutations in breast cancer. If scientists can find a way to block this enzyme, it may slow or stop the cancer from growling, researchers say.

The discovery, reported last month in the prestigious journal Nature, could pave the way for better ways of diagnosing and treating the disease, said Harris, who led the research.

The researchers found an enzyme called APOBEC3B that they say is the "probable source" of DNA mutations that are found in the majority of breast cancer cases.

"Mutations cause cancer. The enzyme appears to act like a 'genetic fuel,' causing cells to mutate and turn cancerous,” Harris said in announcing his findings to media outlets.

f an enzyme (A3B for short) that is the probable source of many genetic mutations in breast cancer. If scientists can find a way to block this enzyme, it may slow or stop

Final numbers in: Vitale Gala hits the jackpot

With the final numbers in, the Dick Vitale Gala hit the jackpot breaking the $2 million barrier for the first time since its inception seven years ago in raising money for pediatric cancer research in conjunction with the Jimmy V Foundation.

It took in a record $2.1 million following its fund raising finale at the May 18^th Dick Vitale Gala. Net proceeds from the event will benefit All Children’s Hospital and provide memorial grants to the University of Florida Shands Hospital in memory of Caleb Jacobbe and the Moffitt Cancer Center in memory of David Heard.

“This year’s gala certainly would bring a smile to the face of Jimmy V as we lived by his motto that every day should be filled with laughter, thought and tears,” Vitale said. “There was no doubt that was achieved by our sold-out crowd of over 800 (at the Gala). Words cannot describe the feeling to know that we more than reached our goal.

“This year we were able to raise more than $2.1 million. There’s nothing we can do to bring back the precious children who lost their lives to this terrible disease, but with your help, we will work to fight cancer for future generations. I simply would like to thank everyone who made this possible. You are all AWESOME BABY WITH A CAPITAL A!”

The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State basketball coach and ESPN commentator.

Since 1993, The Foundation has raised more than $120 million to fund cancer research grants nationwide. It awards 100 percent of all direct cash donations and net proceeds of events directly to cancer research and related programs. Administrative and fundraising expenses are paid by the Foundation's endowment.

The Foundation said it awards grants through a competitive awards process strictly supervised by a Scientific Advisory Board. For more information on The V Foundation or to make a donation, please visit www.jimmyv.org.

“The record proceeds from this year’s Gala is a testament to the incredible work Dick has done for The V Foundation and pediatric cancer research,” said Nick Valvano, CEO of The V Foundation and Jim Valvano’s brother. “The Gala’s success over the past seven years has been truly outstanding.”

IMG Academies and Dick Vitale team up for Shoot Down Cancer event

The IMG Basketball Academy along with ESPN college basketball analyst Dick Vitale will host the Shoot Down Cancer Free Throw Shootout on October 15^th, 2011 at the IMG campus.

The event will benefit The V Foundation for Cancer Research, started in 1993 by ESPN and legendary NC State basketball coach Jim Valvano, who lost his life to cancer. The V Foundation has raised more than $100 million and awarded cancer research grants in nearly 40 states.

The event coincides with October's Breast Cancer Awareness. It's purpose is to help in the fight against breast and other cancers as well as raise awareness about healthy living in young people.

All players and coaches of the IMG Basketball Academy will be participating in the shootout, and the rest of the IMG Academies community has been encouraged to join in and participation is open to the general public.

During the event, participants will shoot 150 free throws while raising money based on donations contributed. Anyone can be a part of the event by pledging per free throw, giving a lump sum or by signing up to participate (limited to 40 spots).

In addition to the free throw shootout, guests will have the opportunity to honor loved ones who have fought or are currently fighting cancer by writing their name on commemorative basketballs that will then become a part of a permanent “Shoot Down Cancer Memory Wall.”

All participants will receive Shoot Down Cancer award medals and Under Armour performance shirts for their participation. Additionally, there will be a handful of prizes given out to both participants and to guests in the crowd.

Structure
Each of the 12 baskets at the IMG Basketball Academy will consist of a 10-person team. In a round, each person on each team will shoot 20 free throws. Once all ten members of each team have completed the 20 free throws, teams will rotate to another hoop in the gym. Each hoop will include a cancer fact aimed to help raise awareness for all participants.

Prizes
Awards will be given to the following participants:

* Top 5 Individuals
* Top “Hoop” Team
* All participants will receive a medal for their involvement and support

Event Schedule
Time Description
8:00am Gym opens
8:00-8:30am Individual registrations
8:40-9:00am Opening comments and Academy viewing of the Jimmy V ESPY speech
9:00-11:30am 1st Half - 80 free throws per person
11:30am-12:00pm Halftime (appetizers for lunch)
12:00-2:30pm 2nd Half - 70 free throws per person
2:30-3:00pm Awards presentation

Some may ask why simply shooting free throws will take nearly 6 hours. The answer is simple: the structure of the event promotes patience and supporting others.

These same characteristics are symbolic of the characteristics exhibited by those who have battled cancer. Making progress in the fight against cancer takes time, patience, and persistence. Shoot Down Cancer will take time, patience, and persistence.

To make a donation to the IMG Basketball Academy Shoot Down Cancer event, please visit our online donation page by clicking here. To make a donation by check, please mail check to the address at right. Thank you for your participation and support of the IMG Basketball Academy Shoot Down Cancer Free Throw Shootout.

Please direct any questions to:

Danny DuChene- Shoot Down Cancer Organizer
danieljduchene@gmail.com
507.412.3525

Nate Vander Sluis- Head Junior National Coach
Nate.Vandersluis@imgworld.com
941.752.2625

Blake Ulrich- IMG Academies Director of Events
Blake.ulrich@imgworld.com