Dribble For Victory Over Cancer Set For September 14
August 18, 2025 | Men's Basketball, Women's Basketball, Student-Athlete Development
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- Carolina Athletics is proud to announce the fourth annual Dribble for Victory Over Cancer in partnership with the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation (PCRF) and the V Foundation for Cancer Research. The event, which raises critical funds for pediatric cancer research, is set for Sunday, September 14 on the UNC campus.
All event proceeds will support pediatric cancer research at UNC Children's Research Institute, with grants awarded through the Dick Vitale Pediatric Cancer Research Fund at the V Foundation.Â
"The need for pediatric cancer research funding is more urgent now than ever before, and we are so grateful to the many partners and community members who join this event and help drive this research forward," said Caroline Smith, Ph.D., Director of Foundation and Scientific Partnerships at the V Foundation. "Every gift you make fuels best-in-class pediatric cancer research that will have a long-lasting impact for childhood cancer patients and their families."
Registration and festivities begin at 10 a.m. at Carmichael Arena, with the welcome ceremony set for 11 a.m., and the one-mile Dribble around campus kicking off at 11:15 a.m. Starting at Carmichael, participants will dribble alongside Tar Heel men's and women's basketball players up to the Old Well, over to the Bell Tower and completing at Carmichael where lunch will be available.
For more information and to register, click here.Â
Dribble for Victory Over Cancer now enters its 18th year nationally and has raised more than $2.5 million for childhood cancer research. In 2022, Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation teamed up with the V Foundation to bring The Dribble to North Carolina campuses, kicking off UNC's first year in the program. Since then, Tar Heel supporters have raised $285,000 for UNC Children's Research Institute.Â
"With pediatric cancer research facing devastating funding cuts, the urgency to act has never been greater. Only by uniting as a community can we ensure every child has access to the best science, treatments, and hope for a cure. That's why we're proud to partner with the V Foundation, UNC Athletics, and the UNC Children's Research Institute—combining our strengths to raise the critical funds needed to advance lifesaving research for children battling cancer." – Danielle Fragalla, MSE, Chief Executive Officer, Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation
While survival rates have increased due to research, cancer is still the leading cause of death by disease in children 19 years and younger in the United States.  With extremely limited funding available from federal grants, private funding through organizations like the V Foundation and PCRF is critical to advance research and improve patient outcomes.Â
"With pediatric cancer research facing critical funding gaps, the urgency to act has never been greater" says Mary Gard, Executive Director of Development for UNC Children's. "Dribble for Victory Over Cancer is more than an event — it's a lifeline. Every dollar raised directly supports innovative research at the UNC Children's Research Institute that has the power to change — and save — lives. We are proud to stand with the V Foundation, PCRF, and Carolina Athletics to accelerate progress for children who can't afford to wait."
About the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation
The Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation is dedicated to funding innovative research that improves outcomes for children battling cancer with the goal of making it possible for them to beat their disease and realize their full potential. Since 1982, PCRF has raised $63 million and is at the forefront of driving advancements in pediatric oncology. Overseen by scientific thought leaders, its rigorous and competitive process for awarding research grants has contributed to pivotal advancements. The Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation is a GuideStar Platinum-rated charity. Together, we are transforming the landscape of pediatric cancer treatment and support, one discovery at a time. For more information, please visit www.PCRF-kids.org or follow us @PCRF_KIDS.
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 basketball coach and ESPN commentator. The V Foundation has funded nearly $400 million in game-changing cancer research grants nationwide through a competitive process strictly supervised by a world-class Scientific Advisory Committee. The V Foundation has been awarded 13 consecutive 4-star ratings (out of 4) by Charity Navigator, placing it in the top 2% of all charities evaluated. The V team is committed to accelerating Victory Over Cancer®. To learn more or donate, visit v.org.
About UNC Children's
UNC Children's has a four-tiered mission to C.A.R.E. that aligns clinical care, advocacy, research and education to deliver world-class, family-centered care – always regardless of a family's ability to pay. Our exceptional clinical care ensures that no child needs to leave North Carolina for treatment of any medical condition regardless of how critical or rare the challenge. For more information about UNC Children's, please visit www.uncchildrens
All event proceeds will support pediatric cancer research at UNC Children's Research Institute, with grants awarded through the Dick Vitale Pediatric Cancer Research Fund at the V Foundation.Â
"The need for pediatric cancer research funding is more urgent now than ever before, and we are so grateful to the many partners and community members who join this event and help drive this research forward," said Caroline Smith, Ph.D., Director of Foundation and Scientific Partnerships at the V Foundation. "Every gift you make fuels best-in-class pediatric cancer research that will have a long-lasting impact for childhood cancer patients and their families."
Registration and festivities begin at 10 a.m. at Carmichael Arena, with the welcome ceremony set for 11 a.m., and the one-mile Dribble around campus kicking off at 11:15 a.m. Starting at Carmichael, participants will dribble alongside Tar Heel men's and women's basketball players up to the Old Well, over to the Bell Tower and completing at Carmichael where lunch will be available.
For more information and to register, click here.Â
Dribble for Victory Over Cancer now enters its 18th year nationally and has raised more than $2.5 million for childhood cancer research. In 2022, Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation teamed up with the V Foundation to bring The Dribble to North Carolina campuses, kicking off UNC's first year in the program. Since then, Tar Heel supporters have raised $285,000 for UNC Children's Research Institute.Â
"With pediatric cancer research facing devastating funding cuts, the urgency to act has never been greater. Only by uniting as a community can we ensure every child has access to the best science, treatments, and hope for a cure. That's why we're proud to partner with the V Foundation, UNC Athletics, and the UNC Children's Research Institute—combining our strengths to raise the critical funds needed to advance lifesaving research for children battling cancer." – Danielle Fragalla, MSE, Chief Executive Officer, Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation
While survival rates have increased due to research, cancer is still the leading cause of death by disease in children 19 years and younger in the United States.  With extremely limited funding available from federal grants, private funding through organizations like the V Foundation and PCRF is critical to advance research and improve patient outcomes.Â
"With pediatric cancer research facing critical funding gaps, the urgency to act has never been greater" says Mary Gard, Executive Director of Development for UNC Children's. "Dribble for Victory Over Cancer is more than an event — it's a lifeline. Every dollar raised directly supports innovative research at the UNC Children's Research Institute that has the power to change — and save — lives. We are proud to stand with the V Foundation, PCRF, and Carolina Athletics to accelerate progress for children who can't afford to wait."
About the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation
The Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation is dedicated to funding innovative research that improves outcomes for children battling cancer with the goal of making it possible for them to beat their disease and realize their full potential. Since 1982, PCRF has raised $63 million and is at the forefront of driving advancements in pediatric oncology. Overseen by scientific thought leaders, its rigorous and competitive process for awarding research grants has contributed to pivotal advancements. The Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation is a GuideStar Platinum-rated charity. Together, we are transforming the landscape of pediatric cancer treatment and support, one discovery at a time. For more information, please visit www.PCRF-kids.org or follow us @PCRF_KIDS.
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 basketball coach and ESPN commentator. The V Foundation has funded nearly $400 million in game-changing cancer research grants nationwide through a competitive process strictly supervised by a world-class Scientific Advisory Committee. The V Foundation has been awarded 13 consecutive 4-star ratings (out of 4) by Charity Navigator, placing it in the top 2% of all charities evaluated. The V team is committed to accelerating Victory Over Cancer®. To learn more or donate, visit v.org.
About UNC Children's
UNC Children's has a four-tiered mission to C.A.R.E. that aligns clinical care, advocacy, research and education to deliver world-class, family-centered care – always regardless of a family's ability to pay. Our exceptional clinical care ensures that no child needs to leave North Carolina for treatment of any medical condition regardless of how critical or rare the challenge. For more information about UNC Children's, please visit www.uncchildrens
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