Today, we talk to Dr. Bill Nelson, the director of the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, V Foundation board member and the chair of the V Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC). We chat with Dr. Nelson about his role with the SAC and how they determine which scientists fit the bill to receive a V Foundation grant. We’ll also talk about how his career led him to this point (including his dashed dreams of being a soccer star ⚽️) and where he sees cancer research headed in the future.

Learn more about how our grants are awarded or how you can get involved with the V Foundation at www.v.org.

2020 has changed a lot, but one thing it hasn't changed is the urgent need for continued cancer research. Today, we’re speaking with three V Foundation supporters about how their lives have been touched by cancer and why they've chosen to support the V Foundation. First, we’ll talk to Mark Holwerda about the passing of his father and the connection to both research and basketball that led him to support the V Foundation. Then, we’ll speak with Bonnie Amendola who’s long list of people she knew who had passed away from cancer filled nearly three pages. And finally, we find out why cancer survivor Ray Cox was motivated to use his story for good thanks to both Jim Valvano's and Stuart Scott’s memorable ESPY speeches.

We are so grateful for all of our supporters and listeners who have joined us this year and we hope you all have a safe and restful holiday season. We look forward to continuing our Voices for Victory journey in 2021.

Learn more about how you can get involved with the V Foundation at www.v.org.

It’s V Week! Each year, our friends at ESPN shine a spotlight on the V Foundation and encourage their viewers to join them in donating to lifesaving cancer research. This year, there’s a focus on the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund. This fund, established by ESPN and the V Foundation, honors the memory of the unforgettable Stuart Scott. A champion of cancer research, Stu was especially driven to improve outcomes for African Americans and other minorities disproportionately affected by cancer and the fund continues with that mission.

Today, we speak to Sage Steele about Stuart. She first met him like most of us, watching on TV. But, when they met at a conference he gave her some helpful advice - not knowing they would go on to be colleagues and great friends. ESPN’s Sage Steele has been a staple at the SportsCenter desk since she arrived in 2007 and joined the V Foundation’s Board of Directors last year. On this episode, we’ll talk about how she met Stuart and how they became such great friends, the legacy he left behind and Sage’s hero - her dad - who has also been diagnosed with cancer.

Today, we’re focusing on the BRCA gene and how mutations to it can be so impactful. As we continue to learn more about genetics and how that can effect our health, specifically in regards to cancer, BRCA is something you might be hearing more about. But what do we really know about it? We talk to Carole Wegner, PhD, HCLD, and the V Foundation’s SVP of Grants and Research Administration to clear up some misunderstandings about the BRCA gene and to fill us in on how the V Foundation is funding research related to it. Then, we talk with Jennifer Halsey who lost both her mom and aunt to cancer and tested positive for the BRCA gene mutation herself. She tells us about the decisions prompted by that positive test and all she’s gone through following it.

Today our guest is actor and director James Roday Rodriguez. James, who plays Gary, a cancer survivor, on the hit ABC show A Million Little Things, has joined forces with WWE Superstar the Miz to take on a Fantasy Football Challenge this season to raise money for cancer research. We’ll chat about why playing a cancer survivor was an important and personal role for him and how it’s helped him connect with people who’ve gone through a cancer journey themselves. We also discuss his Fantasy Football Partnership with the Miz and why the V Foundation was their charity of choice in that endeavor.

(Recorded October 12)

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and today in our conversations we shine a light on those facing the disease and highlight the need for more research. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the US among women and this year alone there will be 275,000 new cases and 42,000 deaths. In fact, 13% of all women in the US will be diagnosed in their lifetime. Today, we speak to Jen Eaton and Kati Masters, two women both taking on breast cancer. Both had their lives turned upside down when they heard the words “you have breast cancer.”

Today, we speak with WWE Superstar the Miz. Through Connor's Cure, WWE raises money and awareness to support pediatric cancer research that is funded through the V Foundation's grant-making process. The Miz has been a WWE Superstar for over a decade and is a former WWE champion. We chat about why Connor's Cure is such an important initiative to WWE, how he has joined forces with a well known actor to support it and his unbelievable path to becoming a WWE and television star.

September is Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month and the V Foundation is committed to supporting breakthrough cancer research that can save more young lives. In this episode, we chat with three people who have had their lives changed by pediatric cancer: Angela Dilts, Scott Viands and Mikari Tarpley.

Today, we speak with legendary ESPN broadcaster Dick Vitale. A V Foundation board member, Dick has spearheaded many initiatives to raise funds specifically for pediatric cancer research. Through a fund named for Dick, the V Foundation's awarded nearly $50 million in research grants. We talk about what it was like to be on stage with Jim Valvano during his famous ESPYs speech, why pediatric research became a focus for him and how his Dick Vitale Gala will look a little different in 2020.

Originally scheduled for mid-May, the third annual Victory Ride to Cure Cancer presented by Braswell Family Farms will take place throughout August as a personalized experience. To learn more about this year's event, we'll speak with Emily Clay, the V Foundation's Community Events Coordinator. Then, we'll hear from Trey Braswell, President of presenting partner Braswell Family Farms on how they are engaging. Finally, we'll talk to Victory Ride participant Chad Tucker about his motivations for riding. Learn more at thevictoryride.org/myvictory