Cancer has had an undoubtedly massive impact on society in the United States, Canada, and the world. While statistics describe what happens in large groups of people, they fail to paint the picture of the devastation created by individual cancer cases. You or someone you know has likely been impacted by a personal cancer diagnosis, the diagnosis of a loved-one, or even the loss of a loved-one to cancer. Data from 2020 showed nearly 2 million new cancer cases in the United States alone, with over 600,000 related deaths. On a global scale, cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide, with more than 18 million new cases per year and 9.5 million cancer-related deaths annually. Projections indicate that by 2040, the number of new cases per year is expected to rise to 29.5 million with 16.4 million cancer-related deaths. The impact of cancer on the world alone is reason enough for Delta Chi to make a difference.

Founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, the V Foundation has funded nearly $290 million in research grants. We’re proud to be a part of that. Jim Valvano was a legendary head basketball coach for North Carolina State who led his team to a Cinderella-story national championship in 1983. He was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 46, but responded by creating the V Foundation and, despite eventually losing the battle, was extremely courageous in how he faced his diagnosis.

The funding model of the V Foundation is made possible through an endowment. As such, every single penny donated to the organization goes directly to cancer research and programs, not administrative or operational costs.

Treatment options and survival rates for cancer patients have improved significantly. Mortality rates from cancers such as lung, breast, prostate, colorectal, and melanoma have declined between 26% to 53% over the last 18+ years. This has been made possible thanks to breakthroughs in cancer research, finding better ways to detect and treat the disease. While there aren’t cures yet, each breakthrough is one step closer to finding them. Donations make research possible and it’s why every donation makes a difference.

The V Foundation supports cutting-edge research of all types of cancers affecting adults or children. The V Foundation awards competitive grants through a process vetted by a Scientific Advisory Committee. This committee is comprised of the nation’s top doctors and scientists in cancer research. The V Foundation has awarded grants to more than 154 institutions in 40 states, as well as in Canada.