Dick Vitale's mission to help kids with cancer

There are few sights as heart-rending as that of a child battling cancer. And there's no more inspiring image than a group of courageous young cancer warriors standing together after claiming victory. And that image is the highlight of Dick Vitale's annual gala, where his All Courageous Team members proudly represent themselves and others not so fortunate who lost their battle against this deadly disease. 

The gala is hosted by the V foundation, founded by legendary basketball coach Jim Valvano of ESPN fame. As it states on v.org: The mission of the Dick Vitale Gala is to raise funds for premiere pediatric cancer research across the nation, while simultaneously promoting awareness of pediatric cancer and how devastating it is to our children and their families.  

Each member of Dick's All Courageous Team is a cancer survivor and a beneficiary of the premier pediatric research that's slowly making a positive impact on the everyday lives of children with cancer. Though the funds raised through the gala go exclusively toward pediatric cancer research, they’re received by the parents and families as a symbolic gesture in honor of those children who have sadly passed on due to cancer.   

Last May, during his own battle with cancer, Dick Vitale's gala raised $11.1 million for pediatric cancer research. Following the gala, ESPN awarded Dick the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance at the 2022 ESPYS. In honor of Dick's ESPYS award, Mark and Cindy Pentecost, founders of It Works! announced they will match all donations to the Dick Vitale Fund for Pediatric Cancer up to $1 million.