This Giving Tuesday, ESPN is kicking off the 15th annual V Week to drive awareness and donations for the V Foundation for Cancer Research across ESPN’s platforms. This year’s V Week is especially meaningful to ESPN, as ESPN College Basketball commentator and V Foundation advocate, Dick Vitale, is in the midst of his own battle with cancer.
From the onset of his diagnosis, “Dickie V” has documented his inspirational journey on his social media platforms, and to show our support, ESPN created #VStrongBaby. The hashtag, which is accompanied by a customized heart emoji on Twitter, will be featured on ESPN throughout V Week. ESPN is encouraging sports fans to use the hashtag to show their support for both the legendary college basketball commentator and the V Foundation’s efforts to raise funds for cancer research.
Last Tuesday in Las Vegas, Vitale returned to college basketball to call No. 1 Gonzaga versus No. 2 UCLA after being diagnosed with lymphoma in October. He’s in the midst of a treatment plan that includes six months of chemotherapy, which began earlier this month.
As ESPN rallies around Vitale, the legendary commentator continues his work with the V Foundation to drive donations to cancer research and deliver comfort to children and families battling pediatric cancer.
His impact is undeniable. Just ask Elain Grande, whose son, Enzo, was inspired by Vitale during his fight before being declared cancer-free. In a recent ESPN.com article she shared, “Some kids want to be rock stars, some kids want to be athletes. My son wants to be Dick Vitale.”
There’s no doubt Dick is a rock star in college basketball and in the fight against cancer. He’s been doing it since the V Foundation’s inception in 1993 and will continue to do so. Join all of us at ESPN as we continue the fight against cancer and show Dick what it means to be #VStrongBaby!
John Manzo contributed to this post.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Check out the full slate of V Week programming, including a new partnership with Stock x and the incredible shoes up for a bid, a focus on racial equity in cancer research with the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, and more moving stories.
