It is hard to believe that Jim Valvano has been gone 25 years. His legacy lives on as we continue to advocate for cancer research, the disease that took his life prematurely.
I reflected on Jimmy V during the Florida-West Virginia game at Madison Square Garden that I called Tuesday night. Jimmy was such a special person. I cannot believe he has been gone so long.
We must beat this dreaded disease that impacts so many lives. His life ended so prematurely as a victim of the dreaded disease of cancer.
Jimmy Valvano and I shared a passion for life. We both had such love for our families and had such a great time working together in the ESPN studio. I remember the laughs we had doing work during the tournament.
Some will look at Jimmy V's legacy through basketball, as his Wolfpack cut down the nets in Albuquerque in 1983 as national champions in one of the greatest upsets ever.
I believe his legacy lives on in this valiant battle against cancer.
I remember vividly attending the 1993 ESPYs, when Jimmy gave his amazing speech in which he said, "Don't give up, don't ever give up." He was in so much pain that night, needing help to get up on stage and come back down. Yet he was so amazing that evening, and people will always remember his passion and emotion in such a difficult situation.
People to this day still talk about that speech and his courage in giving it. It was a legendary moment that will live on forever. I am so proud that The V Foundation for cancer research has raised millions and millions of dollars to fight this disease. It gives researchers a chance to find ways to beat this thing. Great people like Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski, Susan Braun, Bob Lloyd, Jimmy's brother, Nick Valvano, and others have been so diligent in working to raise funds for this cause over the years.
People often ask me why I am so driven in the fight against cancer. I have five grandchildren and I cannot imagine how I would feel if they were ill.I have seen so many families affected by cancer and it simply stinks.
I have seen the way cancer affects cancer fighters and their families. I have been working for the V Foundation trying to raise money for cancer research to get rid of this horrible disease. It affects so many people. Cancer doesn't judge you, it simply wreaks havoc on the families and friends of those victimized.
It is so emotional when you hear about someone else passing away from cancer. We must wipe it out, and we have done a lot already. There is more to be done.
I had such a blast with Jimmy over the years. We talked about basketball, about life, about our families. His loss had a profound influence on my life. That is why V Week and the efforts from ESPN stand out.
I work all year round to raise money through my Dickie V gala, with the goal of donating millions to the V Foundation for research grants. I have seen so many families affected by cancer and it stinks. My event is in Sarasota, Fla., at the Ritz-Carlton next May. I am thrilled to have Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney, Alabama basketball coach Avery Johnson and ESPN's Chris Fowler as honorees this coming year. I am so proud of it because so many people work so hard on making it a success. What always makes me proud is the fact that all of the celebrities in attendance come down on their own dime. They are not paid a cent and they are happy to be part of the evening. There isn't a dry eye in the house as we present our cancer survivor team, kids who have bravely fought hard.
It is so emotional as we bring in families that have been affected by cancer. There is not a dry eye in the house as they hear stories of people who have beaten the disease and are enjoying their lives. There are reflections on their fights and how they are big winners in the game of life.
Jimmy V's legacy lives on in such a positive way. I know he is looking down from heaven, so proud of what has been done in his name. I know that he would be so proud of the Jimmy V Classic, caring so much about the roundball, baby! Another year of the Classic in the books as we raise valuable funds.
We all miss you, love you and will always remember you, Jimmy!
If you want to help beat this dreaded disease, visit jimmyv.org. The life you help save could be that of a loved one.