ESPN’s 2015 Jimmy V Week for Cancer Research raised a record-setting $3.2 million for The V Foundation for Cancer Research – a million more than the 2014 previous fundraising record of $2.2 million. In nine years, Jimmy V Week has raised $13.7 million for cancer research.
Jimmy V Week ran from Dec. 2-8, 2015 and introduced a new awareness campaign Your Fight is Our Fight – the emotionally-charged vignettes are from the view of real cancer patients and their support system showing the raw emotion that comes from a cancer diagnosis, going through radiation/chemo and finally being in remission.
“This campaign was created to tell the powerful stories of the brave cancer fighters, survivors and supporters,” said Kevin Martinez, ESPN vice president of Corporate Citizenship. “It’s these stories that inspire us to keep fighting. We are incredibly thankful to everyone who has joined us in this fight.”
The week opened with the annual simulcast of Jim Valvano’s iconic 1993 ESPYS speech across ESPN domestic networks, plus airing throughout the week were excerpts from ESPNSportsCenter anchor Stuart Scott’s 2014 ESPYS speech, public service announcements and special content and messaging to drive donations.
The campaign included the annual Jimmy V Women’s and Men’s Basketball Classics Presented by Corona – featuring three-time defending national champion UConn hosting No. 3 Notre Dame on December 5, as well as four top college basketball programs in the men’s event on December 8 – then-No. 20 West Virginia vs. then-No. 10 Virginia and then-No. 2 Maryland vs. UConn.
On top of the generosity of individual donors, more than $1.2 million was presented at theJimmy V Men’s Basketball Classic from Corona, Hooters, the Champions League and New York Road Runners with Team V, which helped push the total to over $3 million.
“ESPN, sponsors and fans created another extraordinary Jimmy V Week,” said Susan Braun, CEO of The V Foundation. “As this support grows, through ESPN’s leadership and generosity, our ability to fight cancer escalates. Together, we will beat it!”