The V Foundation was founded in 1993 by ESPN and Jim Valvano. Valvano was a legendary North Carolina State basketball coach and ESPN broadcaster. The V Foundation is dedicated to saving lives by helping to find a cure for cancer. The Foundation seeks to make a difference by generating broad-based support for cancer research and by creating an urgent awareness among all Americans of the importance of the war against cancer. The Foundation performs these dual roles through advocacy, education, fundraising, and philanthropy. Since its inception, The V Foundation has raised more than $120 million and awarded research grants in 37 states and the District of Columbia.