The V Foundation for Cancer Research Names 2009 Grant Recipients

 Funds for Grants Raised Throughout Year at Signature V Events

(Cary, NC)--- The V Foundation for Cancer Research, the leading fundraiser organization for cancer research, announced today that they have awarded the 2009 V Designated Grants.  These grants were given to exemplary researchers across the United States, allowing them to initiate experiments and transform basic scientific discoveries into clinical applications such as new diagnostics and treatments.  The contribution of funding to these research initiatives continuously brings science steps closer to eradicating this horrible disease.

“We are honored to award these grants to such remarkable professionals,” said Nick Valvano, CEO of The V Foundation.  “Their dedication and commitment to their research is extraordinary, and we are proud to have the opportunity to further their efforts.”

Nine recipients from five different states were awarded a Designated Grant, with the total amount given reaching $1.75 million.  Funds for the grants were raised throughout the year at various signature V events, including Dessert First in both Charlotte and Raleigh, and the Dick Vitale Gala in Sarasota, Florida. This year’s nine researchers range in concentration from breast and pediatric cancers to lung and thyroid cancers, just to name a few. The recipients are as follows:

·         Paolo Gehrig, M.D.- UNC Lineberger Cancer Center (Chapel Hill, NC), breast cancer research

·         Gregory Hale, M.D.- All Children’s Hospital (St. Petersburg, FL), pediatric cancer research

·         Anthony Heany, M.D.-  UCLA Jonsson Cancer Center (Los Angeles, CA)  , pancreatic cancer research

·         Norman Lacayo, M.D. & Gary Dahl, M.D.- Stanford University Comprehensive Cancer Center (Palo Alto, CA), pediatric cancer research

·         Richard Reiling, M.D.- Presbyterian Hospital (Charlotte, NC), breast cancer research

·         Steven Sherman, M.D.- M.D. Anderson Cancer Center (Houston, TX), thyroid cancer reasearch

·         Michael Welsh, Ph.D & John Stephen Tyler, Ph.D- Siteman Cancer Center- Washington University School of Medicine (St. Louis, MO), breast cancer research

·         Zhong Zheng, M.D., Ph.D- H. Lee Moffit Cancer Center and Research Institute (Tampa, FL), lung cancer research

“I cannot even begin to express how grateful I am for this award,” said Richard Reiling, M.D., grant recipient and medical researcher at the Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte, North Carolina.  “Each day, progress is made toward understanding this disease, especially when organizations such as The V Foundation for Cancer Research are able to support our efforts through grant funding.”

To learn more about The V Foundation and to find out how you can get involved, call 1-800-4JimmyV or log onto www.jimmyv.org.

About the V Foundation for Cancer Research

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 $80 million to fund cancer research grants nationwide.  It awards 100 percent of all new direct cash donations and net proceeds of events directly to cancer research and related programs.  The Foundation, which has received six consecutive top 4-star ratings from Charity Navigator, awards grants through a competitive awards process strictly supervised by a Scientific Review Committee.  For more information on The V Foundation or to make a donation, please visit www.jimmyv.org.

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