ESPN's 12th annual "V Week for Cancer Research" kicks off today, November 27th and will continue thru December 8 in an effort to drive awareness and funds for the V Foundation for Cancer Research across ESPN platforms. The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late, legendary NC State basketball coach, Jim Valvano.
According to ESPN, "V Week" raised a record $4.5 million last year, bringing the 11-year total of contributions to more than $22.2 million. This year, ESPN is looking to reach another milestone with the addition of three new initiatives, including Kicks to Beat Cancer.
Per ESPN:
"NBA and WNBA stars past and present have donated their shoes, including Kobe Bryant, DeMarcus Cousins, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, Kyrie Irving, Damian Lillard, Boban Marjanovic, Candace Parker, Chris Paul, Paul Pierce, Scottie Pippen, Tracy McGrady, Jalen Rose and PJ Tucker. Additionally, ESPN’s NBA host Michelle Beadle, Syracuse Head Coach Jim Boeheim, and Duke’s all-time leading head coach and Hall of Famer, Mike Krzyzewski, will also be donating their shoes. The Jump will showcase an exclusive look into a few of these stars closets and get a closer look at their impressive collections."
Among the game-worn, autographed sneakers up for auction are PJ Tucker's "Red October" Nike Air Yeezy II, and Kyrie Irving's latest Nike Kyrie 5. You can bid on all the sneakers right here.
Additionally ESPN has announced "Craig Sager Style Day" (Nov. 29-30) celebrating Sager’s iconic fashion, which will be on full display during Friday's NBA doubleheader featuring Rockets vs Spurs and Nuggets vsBlazers. As part of the initiative, two of Sager’s own game-worn jackets will be up for auction.
ESPN has also teamed with popular social media account WeRateDogs for a “h*ck cancer” Campaign that will run from November 27 thru December 28. WeRateDogs has created custom merchandise with the slogan “h*ck cancer” and will donate 100% of net proceeds from these sales to the V Foundation.