Jimmy V Foundation honors research, resilience for cancer patients: 'Don't ever give up'

NAPA, Calif. (KGO) -- Nearly 40% of people will be diagnosed with cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute, a statistic that highlights the importance of research efforts aimed at improving treatments and finding cures.

In Napa Valley on Saturday night, the V Foundation recognized both scientists advancing cancer research and patients whose lives have been affected by the disease with the V Foundation Wine Celebration.

In 2025, the event raised $12.3 million.

For Harper Harrell and her family, the impact of cancer became personal when she was diagnosed with leukemia at age 8.

"Hearing that your child has cancer is like a nightmare, right? It's it's your worst fears confirmed," said her mother, Heather Hindin.

Harrell underwent two and a half years of treatment. "I remember it just being all a blur. It really was such a scary time," said Harrell, now 13.

Despite the challenges, her family said she focused on helping others. Harrell raised more than $27,000 for the V Foundation while undergoing treatment and overcoming cancer herself.

"We've really been able to find our purpose through this journey. And it makes me just extremely proud of her," Hilton said.

The V Foundation traces its roots to a speech delivered by former basketball coach Jim Valvano at the ESPY Awards in 1993, during which he urged people: "Don't give up. Don't ever give up."

Those words continue to resonate with ESPN college basketball analyst Jay Bilas, a member of the foundation's board. "Every year that speech is replayed and there's always new audiences for it, and they're always moved the same way that we were moved some 33 years ago by his speech," Bilas said.

The foundation provides grants each year to young scientists to support research projects that might otherwise go unfunded.

"You need two things to be successful in science. You need a great idea, and you need money to execute that great idea," said Dr. Barry Sleckman of the V Foundation Scientific Advisory Committee.

Valvano said research could not save him but expressed hope that it would help future generations. Today it's doing just that. "It was hard, very, very hard. But, if it didn't happen, we wouldn't be here being able to speak for the kids who can't be here and who need the research," Harrell said.

If you would like to learn more about the V Foundation as well as donating, please click here.