The V Foundation for Cancer Research was started in 1993 through an idea shared by Steve Bornstein, then-president of ESPN, and Jim Valvano. From very humble beginnings of Jim's personal friends and family, The Foundation grew. Today, that circle of friends has expanded and the support structure of The Foundation includes people of all walks of life, those who knew Jim personally, those who knew of Jim and many who have joined the cause simply because they believe in the possibility of Jim's final wish - to fund research to find cures for cancer.

Through a broad scope of events, fundraisers and individual contributions, the Celebrity Friends of V include public figures and sports and entertainment celebrities who lend their names, time, talents and for many, personal contributions, to help fund our mission.

We salute their efforts and picture some of the many "Friends of V" below.

"The V Foundation is a family and all we want to do is cure cancer, plain and simple...a disease that affects a third of the people on this planet," Steve Bornstein, former president, ESPN and ABC-TV.

"My brother envisioned a lasting cancer research foundation. We are humbled by the generosity of his friends who have offered their time and talents and introduced us to their friends, to continue the Friends of V and enlarge our Foundation Family," Nick Valvano, The V Foundation CEO.

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