Per Duke Comms:
The Duke men’s basketball program is teaming up with the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation (PCRF), the V Foundation for Cancer Research and Duke Children’s for its third annual Dribble for Victory Over Cancer. The event, set for Saturday, Oct. 5 on Duke’s campus, will raise funds for pediatric cancer research through the Dick Vitale Pediatric Cancer Research Fund, a specialized grant fund at the V Foundation.
Registration begins at 9 a.m. at the Bostock Gate of Wallace Wade Stadium, followed by a Duke women’s basketball open practice to tip off the festivities. The welcome ceremony and Dribble for Victory Over Cancer starts at 11 a.m. at the Bostock Gate. Participants will dribble alongside the Duke men’s basketball players in a one-mile loop around the athletic campus. Following the Dribble, all Dribble participants will be able to enjoy a BBQ lunch followed by Duke men’s basketball open practice. Anyone interested in attending the open practice must register for the Dribble for Victory Over Cancer by Monday, Sept. 30.
For more information and to register, click here.
“Every year, Marcelle and I look forward to the Dribble for Victory Over Cancer event,” said Duke men’s basketball head coach Jon Scheyer. “It’s a special moment where our community and basketball program come together with incredible enthusiasm to support groundbreaking efforts of the V Foundation, Duke Children’s, and the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation in the fight to end childhood cancer. It’s truly inspiring to see such collective commitment towards a future free from this disease.”
The event is now in its 17th year nationally and has raised more than $2.5 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 Duke now hosting its third annual event.
“We are committed to securing a brighter future for kids battling cancer and aim to inspire the Blue Devil community to join us in this fight,” said Danielle Fragalla, Chief Executive Officer, Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation, the organization that pioneered this event before partnering with the V Foundation to expand the program in 2021. “By coming together, we can fund the research that could lead to the next breakthrough in pediatric cancer treatment.”
September is Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month. 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.
“Partnering with Duke Basketball and the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation has been instrumental in funding and advancing groundbreaking cancer research right here in Durham,” said Shane Jacobson, Chief Executive Officer at the V Foundation. “This is a community-focused event and we’re thrilled to see it grow each year as we work toward our shared goal of achieving Victory Over Cancer.”
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 www.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 over $353 million in game-changing cancer research grants nationwide through a competitive process strictly supervised by a world-class Scientific Advisory Committee. Because the V Foundation has an endowment to cover administrative expenses, 100% of direct donations are awarded to cancer research and programs. The V team is committed to accelerating Victory Over Cancer®. To learn more, visit v.org.
About Duke Children’s
Duke Children’s Hospital & Health Center is ranked among the top children’s hospitals nationally in nine specialties by U.S. News & World Report. Every year thousands of children are treated at Duke Children’s for a wide range of medical conditions, from common childhood illnesses to life-threatening diseases. Our staff of outstanding physicians and healthcare professionals bring a deep sense of dedication to delivering the finest care to each and every one of our patients. The research we accomplish saves and enhances the lives of many more thousands of young people who may never set foot inside any of our facilities, but who will benefit from a novel surgical technique perfected by Duke pediatric surgeons, a vaccine that Duke pediatric immunologists were among the first to test, or a new diagnostic technology refined for use in children.
Duke Children’s Hospital is a “hospital within a hospital” within Duke Central Tower and Duke University Hospital. It contains pediatric and neonatal intensive care units. The Duke Children’s Health Center includes specialty clinics, a pediatric endoscopy and procedure suite, a pediatric perioperative suite, an outpatient pharmacy, and the Jim Valvano Day Hospital for children and adolescents receiving chemotherapy and other outpatient infusions.
