The University of Iowa is partnering with the V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, on the 16th annual V Week for Cancer Research. Starting with Giving Tuesday on Nov. 29 and concluding on Dec. 11, this year’s V Week includes a variety of activities and fundraising opportunities across ESPN and the V Foundation channels. The effort is named after Jim Valvano, the legendary North Carolina State University basketball coach and ESPN commentator whose life was ultimately taken by cancer.
Iowa, along with seven other universities taking part in the Jimmy V Classic, will raise funds to support cancer research, including at UI Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Program.
The Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Program specializes in addressing the individual needs of young people ages 13-39 as they navigate their cancer journey. This program is a joint effort between University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital and Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center.
The program provides specialized nursing and counselor support, pain and palliative care, fertility and reproductive health, and survivorship planning geared toward patients in this age range. The AYA Cancer Program gives patients access to the latest treatment options by developing and researching new clinical trials specifically designed to help AYA patients.
Throughout V Week, ESPN and the V Foundation will highlight stories from cancer survivors, including Patrick McCaffery, who battled thyroid cancer at the age of 14 and is a member of the Hawkeye men’s basketball team. “I will continue to be an advocate and role model for cancer research,” said McCaffery. “Anything you can do with Jimmy V’s name attached is special. I’m forever grateful to play on the big stage of the Jimmy V Classic and embody Jim’s ‘Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up’ mantra.”
Viewers can join the fight through a variety of initiatives including:
• The 28th Annual Jimmy V Classic (Dec. 4 and 6): This year, eight teams will take the court for the men’s and women’s Jimmy V Classic on ESPN. The men’s event will take place on December 6 at Madison Square Garden with back-to-back games beginning with Illinois vs. Texas followed by Iowa vs. Duke. Event proceeds benefit cancer research.
• The Inaugural Jimmy V Classic Challenge (Nov. 29 through Dec. 9): The Jimmy V Classic is being taken to another level this year as all eight schools participating in the Jimmy V Classic will collectively raise dollars for cancer research. The money raised will be split 50/50 between V Foundation funded grants and local research initiatives supported by each school and approved by the V Foundation.
To donate on behalf of the University of Iowa, visit the University of Iowa page on the V Foundation website: foriowa.info/jimmyv.