Don Meyer, coach for Northern State University, has been a dedicated coach and mentor to all who have known him in college basketball for 38 seasons. But in 2008, his life would change in an instant and he would find himself tested in unimaginable ways when an 18 wheel truck crushed Don's car in a head-on collision. The fully loaded semi-shattered all his ribs, filling his chest with blood. His spleen was destroyed; his diaphragm torn, his left leg pulverized. Worse, during surgery doctors discovered that Meyer had cancer in his liver and intestines that was inoperable. Worse yet, 14 days after that surgery, his leg was amputated below the knee. After 55 days in the hospital, Meyer left in a wheelchair, was at work at 4:45 the next morning, and coached all season without missing a game. On January 10, Meyer won his 903rd game, becoming the all-time winningest coach in men's' college basketball history and setting the record that once seemed out of reach.
V Foundation Established 1993 - DONATE NOW
The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State basketball coach and ESPN commentator. Since 1993, The Foundation has raised more than $100 million to fund cancer research grants nationwide. It awards 100 percent of all direct cash donations and net proceeds of events directly to cancer research and related programs. Administrative and fundraising expenses are paid by the Foundation's endowment. The Foundation awards grants through a competitive awards process strictly supervised by a scientific advisory board. For more information on The V Foundation or to make a donation, please visit www.jimmyv.org or call 1-800-4JimmyV.
Jimmy V Perseverance Award
The Jimmy V Perseverance Award was named after and inspired by the late Jimmy Valvano who became the award's raison d'être at the 1993 ESPYS. While battling cancer, Jim Valvano gave an emotional acceptance speech which included his famous words "Don't Give Up . . . Don't Ever Give Up!"®. This was Jimmy V's advice to anyone anywhere facing adversity. Valvano passed away less than 2 months later, but his words were never forgotten. The Jimmy V Award is given to a deserving member of the sporting world who has overcome great obstacles through physical perseverance and determination. In 2007, Women's College basketball coach Kay Yow became the very first recipient of the Jimmy V award.