The V Foundation Continues Collaboration with Kansas City Chiefs and The University of Kansas Health System to Achieve Victory Over Cancer

CARY, NC (October 8, 2018) — The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, is excited to announce a continued collaboration with the Kansas City Chiefs and The University of Kansas Health System to support critical cancer research. Last year, the collaboration awarded a $200,000 grant to Mary Markiewicz, Ph.D., at The University of Kansas Cancer Center for her research related to using the immune system clinically to destroy cancer.

“We are thrilled to continue a partnership that is making a significant impact in the Kansas City community,” said Norm Bowling, Chief Revenue Officer of the V Foundation. “It’s wonderful to work together with the Chiefs, The University of Kansas Health System and ESPN to accelerate cancer research and help those who are living with cancer.”

The Chiefs and the Hunt Family Foundation will contribute $50,000 in October, and The University of Kansas Cancer Center will raise $50,000; that $100,000 will be matched by the V Foundation for an Early Career Investigator Grant to be awarded to a researcher at The University of Kansas Cancer Center. The partnership will bring continued V Foundation resources to the Kansas City area as it funds an emerging researcher in the Chiefs’ community.

“We are so thankful to partner with the V Foundation and The University of Kansas Health System on a program that was able to impact a local cancer researcher at The University of Kansas Cancer Center last year. We are even more pleased to be a part of the team that will enable the grant to support the program for a second year in a row,” Kansas City Chiefs President Mark Donovan said. “The V Foundation provides remarkable resources for medical researchers and healthcare professionals, and we believe they are supporting the best in the field in their grant to The University of Kansas Cancer Center and their researchers.”

On Sunday, during the Chiefs Crucial Catch game, versus the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Hunt Family Foundation held a 50/50 raffle that raised more than $69,000 to help support funding efforts. Half of the net proceeds will go to The University of Kansas Cancer Center. Crucial Catch: Intercept Cancer aims to move the country towards unprecedented levels of early detection and risk reduction of screenable cancers and allows the NFL to reach and impact a wider population affected by various forms of cancer.

“By supporting The University of Kansas Cancer Center, we are fostering new therapies to fight cancer, providing new hope for patients, and investing in the health of the Kansas City community as well as this entire region,” said Bob Page, President and Chief Executive Officer of The University of Kansas Health System.

The V Foundation Early Career Investigator Grant will support a young tenure-track researcher early in her/his career by funding projects that are either laboratory-based fundamental research or translational research. Learn more about the 2017 grantee Mary Markiewicz, Ph.D., and her research here.

“I applaud the efforts of the V Foundation and the Kansas City Chiefs to advance The University of Kansas Cancer Center’s efforts to fight this terrible disease. We are deeply grateful for these funds,” said Dr. Roy Jensen, Director of The University of Kansas Cancer Center.

The partnership is part of ESPN’s Blitz Cancer campaign, which pairs the V Foundation with professional football teams to support all types of cancer research at NCI-designated cancer centers in team markets.

“This joint partnership with three incredible champions for good — the V Foundation, the Kansas City Chiefs, and The University of Kansas Cancer Center — demonstrates the power of working as ONE team to fight this terrible disease,” said Kevin Martinez, Vice President of ESPN Corporate Citizenship. “Together, we will BLITZ Cancer!”

For more information about the V Foundation, its grant program or to donate, please visit 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 University basketball coach and ESPN commentator. Since 1993, the Foundation has funded more than $200 million in cancer research grants nationwide. The V Foundation awards 100% of direct donations to cancer research and programs. The V Foundation’s endowment covers administrative expenses. The Foundation awards peer-reviewed grants through a competitive awards process strictly supervised by a Scientific Advisory Committee. For more information on the V Foundation or to make a donation, please visit www.jimmyv.org.

ESPN Corporate Citizenship

ESPN believes that, at its very best, sports uplifts the human spirit. Its corporate citizenship programs use power of sport to positively address society’s needs through strategic community investments, cause marketing programs, collaboration with sports organizations and employee volunteerism, while also utilizing its diverse media assets. For more information go to www.espn.com/citizenship.

About the Kansas City Chiefs and the Hunt Family Foundation

Founded as the Dallas Texans in 1960 as a charter member of the American Football League (AFL) by sports pioneer Lamar Hunt, the franchise moved to Kansas City in 1963 and became known as the Kansas City Chiefs. The Hunt Family Foundation, formerly the Chiefs Children’s Fund, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established by the Hunt family in 1983 to support charitable agencies in the greater Kansas City community. Through philanthropy and community programming, the Foundation provides vital assistance to more than 125 area charities each year and works to give back to a community that has given so much to the Kansas City Chiefs organization for more than 50 years. For more information about the Chiefs and the Hunt Family Foundation, please visit www.chiefs.com.

About The University of Kansas Cancer Center

The University of Kansas Cancer Center is transforming cancer research and clinical care by linking an innovative approach to drug discovery, delivery and development to a nationally-accredited patient care program. Our consortium center includes cancer research and health care professionals associated with the University of Kansas Medical Center and The University of Kansas Health System; The University of Kansas, Lawrence; the Stowers Institute for Medical Research; Children’s Mercy; and in partnership with members of the Midwest Cancer Alliance.