Vol. 5 May 2019
Monthly News & Updates
Thank you for following the journey. Each month I hope to bring you stories of inspiration, living life and embracing the divine path each of us are on. Be sure to check out my website www.JamieValvano.com for information about my speaking engagements and more.
#Beextraordinary

V SCHOLARS
Life Saving Research Continues

April 28, 2019 marked 26 years since my Dad's passing. He used the final 10 months of his life to set in motion an organization that carries on his legacy. I can vividly recall him speaking with a young researcher at Duke Cancer Center where he was receiving treatment. A protein in my Dad's cancer cells was blocking the chemotherapy, and the doctor wanted to try administer a medication that might prove helpful. Jim Valvano respected the passion and tenacity of this beginning researcher, and it was in these moments that the idea to provide money for these brilliant scientists was birthed.
Robert C. Bast, Jr., M.D., from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, first met my Dad when he was working at Duke Cancer Center. He was one of the many outstanding oncologists that took care of my entire family. My Dad asked him to be a part of the team that he was assembling to continue his work long after he was gone. Dr. Bast has been a leader on The V Foundation's Scientific Review Committee for 25 years ensuring the best and the brightest receive funding.

In 2005, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer he was one of the doctors that helped me navigate the multitude of decisions facing any cancer patient. His beautiful wife would mail me letters of encouragement throughout my treatment. When I felt the fear overwhelm me, his constant reassurances kept me moving forward.
In what seems like the blink of an eye, 13 years have come and gone. Dr. Bast now stands at the podium, eyes starting to mist, as he introduces me as the keynote speaker at The V Scholar Summit. The individuals assembled know little of how our story began 25 years ago, and so my Dad stands with me as I tell our tale. By the end of the two days, we are family. Ordinary people brought together to accomplish the extraordinary. This is just how my Dad would have wanted it to be.

(Left) Olga Anczukow, Ph.D. from the Jackson Laboratory Cancer Center is investigating how changes in RNA splicing contribute to cancer, with the goal of developing novel therapeutic strategies to target splicing alterations and their regulators.

(Right) Ewelina Bolcun-Filas, Ph.D, from the Jackson Laboratory Center for Genomic Medicine , investigates genetic causes of infertility and the development of new treatments for preserving healthy ovarian function and fertility in female cancer survivors.


(Right) Carole Wegner, Senior Vice President, Research and Grants Administration, and the superb foundation staff continue to honor Jim Valvano's last bold vision... FIND A CURE FOR CANCER .

Since awarding the first grant in 1994, The V Foundation has funded more than $225 million in research grants. The Scientific Advisory Committee selects grant recipients through a highly competitive process. We invest in promising people and projects.

For more information about
The V Foundation, visit JimmyV.org

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO SCHEDULE A SPEAKING ENGAGEMENT GO TO JAMIEVALVANO.COM