CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Carolina Athletics is teaming up with the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation (PCRF) and the V Foundation for Cancer Research for its inaugural Dribble for Victory Over Cancer, which will raise funds for pediatric cancer research. The event is set for Aug. 28 and will be held on the UNC campus.
Proceeds from the event will bolster pediatric cancer research being conducted at the UNC Children’s Research Institute through the Dick Vitale Fund for Pediatric Cancer, a specialized grant fund at the V Foundation.
Registration and festivities begin at 10 a.m. at Carmichael Arena, with the welcome ceremony set for 11 a.m., and Dribble for Victory Over Cancer starting at 11:15 a.m. Starting at Carmichael, participants will dribble alongside Tar Heel men’s and women’s basketball players up to the Old Well, over to the Bell Tower, and then back to Carmichael.
For more information and to register, click here.
The event is now in its 15th year nationally and has raised more than $2 million in the fight against pediatric cancer. After starting at UCLA and St. John’s, the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation has partnered with the V Foundation to expand The Dribble to other campuses, with UNC participating this year for the first time.
“We are fighting for the future of kids with cancer and hope to ignite the Tar Heel community to engage with us,” said Jeri Wilson, Executive Director, Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation, the organization which pioneered this event for the past 15 years before partnering with the V Foundation to expand the program in 2021. “Together, we can fund research that could lead to the next breakthrough in pediatric cancer treatment.”
In the U.S., 47 children are diagnosed with cancer every day. While survival rates have increased due to research, cancer is still the leading cause of death by disease in children 19 years and younger. Severe underinvestment in research has inhibited scientific advancement, leaving most pediatric cancer patients with decades-old treatment options, many of which are too toxic for developing young bodies.
“UNC Children’s is proud and honored to partner with the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation and the V Foundation,” said Keela Lyon, Senior Executive Director of Development and Communications, UNC Children’s Hospital. “Kids with cancer need as much support as we can muster and this event has demonstrated that it can inspire the public to contribute to pediatric cancer research.”
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About the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation
Determined to transform pediatric cancer care via accelerating research breakthroughs, the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation has one goal: to make it possible for all children facing childhood cancer to beat their disease and realize their full potential. Overseen by scientific thought leaders, its rigorous and competitive process for awarding research grants has contributed to pivotal advancements in the areas of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Immunotherapy/CAR T cells, Osteosarcoma, Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia, and Acute Myeloid Leukemia. The Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation is a GuideStar Platinum-rated charity and has been ranked as an accredited charity by the Better Business Bureau. Its actions and commitment are encapsulated in its inspiring motto: Powering Cures, Realizing Futures. For more information, please visit pcrf-kids.org or follow us @PCRF_KIDS.
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 and ESPN commentator. The V Foundation has funded nearly $290 million in cancer research grants nationwide. Event proceeds benefit cancer research funded by the V Foundation. The Foundation awards game-changing grants through a competitive process strictly supervised by a Scientific Advisory Committee. For more information on the V Foundation, please visit v.org.
About UNC Children’s
UNC Children’s has a four-tiered mission to C.A.R.E. that aligns clinical care, advocacy, research, and education to deliver world-class, family-centered care – always regardless of a family’s ability to pay. Our exceptional clinical care ensures that no child needs to leave North Carolina for treatment of any medical condition regardless of how critical or rare the challenge. For more information about UNC Children’s, please visit www.uncchildrens.org.
