The V Foundation for Cancer Research

#CancerSucks, #F**kCancer, Relays for Life, DragonBoats, fundraisers and families crushed. There is no doubt that if you are reading this your life has been affected by Cancer. It is a disease that breaks the body, and the hearts of their loved ones. It also strengthens bonds, encourages fight and hope for others. In 2021 the Don Oakes Cancer Research Campaign was born out of a way to honor my late father and inspire. When Barbara Oakes succumbed to Cancer the mission spread. The Don and Barb Oakes Cancer Research Campaign (DaBOCRC) has raised over $4,000 (via your pledges, Thank You!) for the Jimmy V Foundation during its 2 events (OTET 2021, Apple Cider Century 2023). The 2024 DaBOCRC looks a little different. Instead of hundreds of miles on a bicycle this will be a ‘marathon of hope’; consisting of 5 volunteer events located in Detroit and Pontiac, totaling ~15 hours. The shirt pictured below will be worn at the events, carrying the names of loved ones we've lost. If you would like, please message me with a name, or many names, that you would want added to the shirt to be seen and remembered during these events (11/7, 11/8.) Also, if you are able, please consider donating $1 for a volunteer hour ( max $15) to the DaBOCRC link below, which will all go to the Jimmy V Foundation on my father’s birthday, November 9th. Life is a team sport and we are truly stronger together. May the best always be yet to come.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the formation of the V Foundation for Cancer Research. Founded by ESPN and legendary basketball coach Jim Valvano with one goal in mind: to achieve Victory Over Cancer®.

Since its formation in 1993, the V Foundation has awarded over $310 million in cancer research grants nationwide and has grown to become one of the premier supporters of cutting-edge cancer research.

All donations will fund all-star scientists and research for all cancer types, at leading cancer centers and research facilities nationwide.

There are over 18 million cancer survivors living in the U.S. Your donation and commitment to accelerating science will allow more cancer patients to live longer, healthier lives.

The V Foundation has received 11 consecutive 4-star ratings (out of 4) by Charity Navigator, a leading charity evaluator. This places the V Foundation among the top 2% of all charities evaluated.

100% of your donation goes directly to the best and brightest scientists. Help bring us closer to Victory Over Cancer® and join our team today!

**The V Foundation has partnered with GoFundMe to achieve Victory Over Cancer®. Whether you donate or help spread the word, we're glad to have you as part of our team. With your support, we can make an even bigger impact.

Hello, My name is Viridiana Avalos. I am a 4th-year Business Administration major with a management concentration, and I am a part of Kappa Xi Sorority at Cal State East Bay.

Why do you want to be Miss Delta Chi

I want to be Miss Delta Chi to be a support system to the org, help with decision-making, get out of my comfort zone by being involved in something new, assist the active members, and expand my skill sets. This opportunity will allow me to collaborate effectively with members and be an advocate for them. Being in close connection to the org and having a relationship with the members will spark decisions, support, and engagement. The goal is to help Delta Chi accomplish their goals as an organization while supporting along the way. This opportunity will also help me grow as an individual and learn from Delta Chi throughout the journey.

What does the Jimmy V foundation mean to you ? It is a Cancer Research foundation to help save children's lives?

What the Jimmy V Foundation means to me is a foundation that focuses on cancer research to help support children's lives. This foundation plays a crucial role in saving children's lives and ensuring that children go on to experience a happy and healthy childhood like any other child. The foundation's mission is committed to saving lives and solving cures for cancer through its cancer research initiatives.

Any Final Remarks

Thank you for your consideration!! Any support is greatly appreciated in getting me closer to becoming Miss Delta Chi!! All in all, thank you, Delta Chi Fraternity, for the opportunity!

Hi my name is Rina Rivas, I am a 4th year liberal studies major and I am part of Tri Sigma here at East Bay! :)

Why do you want to be Miss Delta Chi?

I want to be Miss Delta Chi because I believe in the fraternity's mission to promote friendship, develop character, advance justice, and assist in the acquisition of a sound education. I value the sense of brotherhood, high moral standards, and academic excellence that Delta Chi upholds. Being Miss Delta Chi would allow me to contribute to this supportive community and help others grow personally and professionally.

What does the Jimmy V foundation mean to you?

The Jimmy V Foundation holds significant importance to me because it represents hope and determination in the fight against cancer, especially for children. It’s inspiring to see how they work tirelessly to save lives and support families especially during such difficult times. Their commitment to research and finding cures gives us all a reason to believe in brighter days ahead. It’s a powerful reminder to cherish life and support those in need.

Any Final Remarks

Sincerely, I want to thank everyone for their support and commitment to this important cause. Together, we can make a difference and bring hope to those who need it most. No contribution is too small! With this title, I hope to continue contributing to the mission. :) I love you all and thank you!

What is your Name, year and major and sorority you are apart of?

Maria Carrizales , 3rd year , Computer Science Major

Why do you want to be Miss Delta Chi?

Honestly, I’m doing this because it’s fun, and it’s given me a chance to connect with amazing people along the way. I’m a social, community-driven latina who loves bringing people together. Whether it's hanging out, building friendships, or working toward something bigger, I believe community starts with connection—and that’s what this experience has been for me.

While the title would be cool, it’s not really about the crown for me. It’s about the opportunity to use the platform to elevate the causes I care about—from the current issues in Palestine and Lebanon to encouraging people to get involved politically. I believe that real change starts by showing empathy, learning from each other, and coming together as a community.

Being Miss Delta Chi would let me bring people together to have the conversations that matter and work toward solutions that benefit everyone. Plus, being part of Alpha Phi has shown me the value of friendship and support—those connections are the real reason I’m here. I’m not chasing a win; I’m just here to make the most out of this journey and spread some positivity along the way.

Anyone willing to support me can <3

What does the Jimmy V foundation mean to you ?

The Jimmy V Foundation’s work to fight cancer and save children’s lives means so much because it highlights how every life is worth fighting for. Whether it's through medical research or community action, it’s a reminder that we can’t afford to ignore those in need. This same energy applies to the issues I care about—like the struggles in Palestine and Lebanon—where people, especially children, are also fighting for their futures every day.

At the core, both cancer research and social justice efforts require empathy, collective action, and relentless dedication. Just like cancer doesn’t pick and choose who it affects, oppression and injustice also reach across borders and communities. We need to come together, support each other, and use whatever platform we have to make a difference.

The Jimmy V Foundation’s message of "Don't give up... don't ever give up" resonates deeply with me. It’s not just about survival—it’s about showing up for people, doing the hard work, and fighting for a better future—whether that’s in the lab, in our communities, or across the world.

Any Final Remarks

I hold these causes very closely to me and would love to incorporate that into this!

My name is Sean Wachter. I am a two-time cancer warrior and professional wrestler dedicated to making a difference in the fight against cancer. For the past four years, I have organized an annual fundraiser, with proceeds going to different cancer organizations each year. This year, I am honored to support The V Foundation by donating through GoFundMe, where all contributions go directly to "The V" as they are official partners of the platform.

As a proud product of The V Foundation’s research, I am deeply grateful for the second and third chances I have been given, and I am committed to raising funds so that others may have the same opportunity. To amplify our efforts, we are hosting a special event: The Captain Michael Fischer Memorial Wrestling Classic. This year, we are excited to partner with New York Wrestling Connection, the longest-tenured independent wrestling federation in the state with over 22 years in business.

Join us for an unforgettable night of entertainment, showcasing the best in professional wrestling while supporting a great cause. Whether you can give a little or a lot, every donation helps us move closer to a world without cancer. Let’s unite, give generously, and put the smackdown on cancer for good. Together, we can make a difference!

Thank you for your support—let’s keep fighting for those who need it most.

My mom is the strongest woman that I have ever known. In her battle with colon cancer she fought with all she had, but continued to keep a smile on her face. I love and miss her so much, but I know that she would want us to continue the fight against cancer on her and other's behalf. Please join me in donating to the V Foundation for cancer research. The Foundation is based out of Cary, NC and 100% of direct donations go to cancer research and programs.

More information about The V Foundation for Cancer Research: The V Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to saving lives by helping to find a cure for cancer. Jim Valvano, the namesake, coached at NCSU for a number of years before passing away from Cancer. The V Foundation seeks to make a difference by generating broad-based support for cancer research and by creating an urgent awareness among all Americans of the importance of the war against cancer. The V Foundation preforms these dual roles through advocacy, education, fundraising and philanthropy.

This is an annual basketball tournament which we have brought back this year in support of our philanthropy charity – The V Foundation for Cancer Research. The V Foundation for Cancer Research is a nonprofit organization that funds cancer research to achieve victory over cancer by finding cures and improving treatments for patients!

The Jimmy V Foundation, also known as The V Foundation for Cancer Research, is a non-profit organization dedicated to finding a cure for cancer. It was founded in 1993 by former college basketball coach Jim Valvano, who was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Valvano's famous speech at the 1993 ESPY Awards, where he urged people to never give up in the fight against cancer, inspired the creation of the foundation.

The mission of the Jimmy V Foundation is to fund cutting-edge cancer research and to provide support to those affected by the disease. The foundation raises funds through various events and initiatives, including the annual ESPY Awards, which donates a portion of its proceeds to the foundation.

Since its inception, the Jimmy V Foundation has awarded over $250 million in grants to support cancer research. These grants fund projects focused on improving early detection, developing new treatments, and ultimately finding a cure for all types of cancer. The foundation also provides grants to support young researchers and scientists in their pursuit of innovative cancer research.

In addition to funding research, the Jimmy V Foundation also provides support to cancer patients and their families through various programs and initiatives. These include providing financial assistance for cancer-related expenses, offering educational resources, and organizing events to bring together cancer survivors and their loved ones.

Overall, the Jimmy V Foundation is dedicated to honoring Jim Valvano's legacy by continuing the fight against cancer and striving to make a difference in the lives of those affected by the disease.

Hello, I'm Sean Wachter, a 38-year-old business development manager at Global Interactive Group. In 2016, a golf ball-sized tumor was found in my cerebellum, a rare form of melanoma that had spread throughout my body and into my spinal cord fluid (Leptomeningeal Disease). Given a grim prognosis of 12 weeks to live, I chose to fight. Inspired by Stuart Scott's words, "When you die, it does not mean that you lose to cancer. You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and the manner in which you live," I embraced life. I returned to coaching football, married my wife, started a family, founded a coffee company, and bought a home. Then, a miracle: on July 23rd, 2021, after groundbreaking treatments funded by The V FOUNDATION, I was declared cancer-free -The only person on documented record that has beaten this form of Melanoma.

To give back, I've held wrestling fundraisers for Sloan Kettering Kids and St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. This October 28th, 2023, I'll return to the ring with New York Wrestling Connection at The Space in Westbury, NY, to raise awareness for The V FOUNDATION. On that day, my attire will pay tribute to this foundation, reminding all that life continues during and after cancer.

The challenge is simple: let's support The V FOUNDATION. I survived because of clinical research. Let's band together to ensure others have the same chance.

#nevergiveup #cancersurvivor #dreamchaser

For the V,

Sean Wachter