ESPN RAISES RECORD $8.3 MILLION FOR CANCER RESEARCH

January 25, 2019

ESPN’s 12th annual V Week for Cancer Research set a new record, helping raise more than $8.3 million for the V Foundation for Cancer Research, representing an incredible 83% year-over-year increase.

The donation comes as the result of a broad range of fundraising efforts, many of them new this year. One new addition is the Tyler Trent Fund at the V Foundation for Cancer Research to support cancer research for Adolescents and Young Adults. 

Tyler Trent, a Purdue University student who was battling osteosarcoma, a particularly rare and aggressive form of bone cancer, captured the hearts of America when his story was featured across many ESPN shows.  

He fought great obstacles through his perseverance and determination, and was inspired by Jim Valvano’s rally cry, “Don’t Give Up.” Tyler, who lost his battle this month, wished to make the biggest impact in the fight against cancer so that other young cancer patients and their families do not have to go through the agony his family went through. ESPN will continue to raise money for the Tyler Trent Fund.

“We are honored to share stories of determination and perseverance from sports fans such as Purdue alumni, Tyler Trent who helped raise much needed funds for innovative cancer research,” said Kevin Martinez, vice president of ESPN Corporate Citizenship.

Other fundraising efforts include:

• Kicks to Beat Cancer: ESPN commentators and professional athletes put their signed and game-worn “kicks” to good use by donating 24 sneakers to auction on eBay in support of the V Foundation. The sneakers that raised the most money came from Boston Celtics point guard Kyrie Irving.

• Craig Sager Style Day: In honor of famed sports reporter Craig Sager, who lost his battle with cancer in 2016, NBA athletes and coaches, as well as on-air commentators from ESPN, NBA on TNT and NBA TV wore jackets and clothing that captured his signature style during the two-day Craig Sager Style Day. Two of Sager’s one-of-a-kind jackets were auctioned off.

• WeRateDogs “h*ck cancer”: ESPN teamed with WeRateDogs to drive awareness to V Foundation’s canine comparative oncology initiative. Custom h*ck cancer merchandise was featured in social media and online with a percentage of sales benefitting the V Foundation and followers posted heartfelt stories of their dogs being affected by cancer.

   

Over the past 12 years, V Week fundraising has totaled over $30 million for cancer research.

ESPN is the International Media Sponsor of Beyond Sport and an Official Supporter of the Beyond Sport Foundation.