DURHAM, N.C. – Duke Men's Basketball is proud to host the fifth annual Dribble for Victory Over Cancer, presented by Nuna Baby, in partnership with the V Foundation for Cancer Research, Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation (PCRF), and Duke Children's Hospital. This event, kicking off the Countdown to Craziness weekend, will occur on Friday, Oct. 2, and raise critical funds for childhood cancer research.
All event proceeds will directly benefit Duke Children's Hospital through a co-funded grant awarded by PCRF and the V Foundation through the Dick Vitale Pediatric Cancer Research Fund. The event also celebrates "Honorary Captains" – young cancer patients, thrivers, and their families.
Registration opens at 4:30 p.m. at the Bostock Gate of Wallace Wade Stadium on Duke's campus, with the welcome ceremony and official Dribble tipoff beginning at 6:00 p.m., with a welcome message from Duke men's basketball head coach
Jon Scheyer, introduction of the honorary captains, and recognition of top fundraisers.
Participants can sign up as individuals or teams and fundraising incentives are available for reaching milestones, including an invitation to a closed men's basketball practice for fundraisers who reach $1,000 or more. Dribble participants are invited to cheer on the Blue Devils following the event on Friday night at a home match-up of their choice: free admission to Duke Volleyball versus Georgia Tech at 6:30 p.m., or discounted tickets to Duke Men's Soccer against Stanford at 7 p.m. Tickets must be pre-purchased.
Participants will also receive the opportunity to purchase discounted tickets to Countdown to Craziness on Saturday, Oct. 3. For more information on the Countdown to Craziness event,
click here. Discount links to both events will be distributed upon registration for the Dribble event.
For more information and to register for Dribble for Victory Over Cancer,
click here.
"Dribble for Victory Over Cancer is a special event for our program and has become something Marcelle and I really look forward to each year," said Scheyer. "It means a lot to our team to be able to spend time with the incredible children and families, hear their stories and hopefully bring a little joy to their lives. We're proud to come together with the Duke community to support Duke Children's, the V Foundation and the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation and the important work they're doing. We're grateful to be part of something that brings people together and gives hope to kids and families who are going through so much."
Since its start in 2008 at campuses around the nation, Dribble for Victory Over Cancer has raised more than $3.1 million to support groundbreaking childhood cancer research, with over $330K raised by Blue Devil supporters in its first four years of participation.
"It's an honor to celebrate five years of this incredible event as we unite around a shared mission: supporting scientists on the frontlines of cancer research right here in Durham," said Brandi Williams Broome, CEO of the V Foundation. "We are continually amazed by the generosity of the Duke fanbase as we aim to have a record-breaking event in 2026, all while accelerating breakthroughs that will fundamentally change outcomes for young patients and their families."
Because of extremely limited funding allocated by the federal budget, pediatric cancer research remains dramatically underfunded, making private organizations such as PCRF and the V Foundation critically important. Many childhood cancer treatments still rely on therapies developed decades ago, and investment in research today is urgently needed for patients to live longer, healthier lives.
"We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Duke Basketball, Duke Children's and the V Foundation for Cancer Research at the fifth annual Dribble for Victory Over Cancer. This event unites athletes, families, and fans in a powerful way - dribbling together to raise critical funds and awareness for pediatric cancer research," said Danielle Fragalla, Chief Executive Officer at the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation. "Funds raised at the Dribble for Victory Over Cancer directly support groundbreaking research that is transforming how childhood cancers are treated. From advancing new therapies to improving survivorship, the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation is committed to ensuring that all children have the best chance at a long, healthy life. Together with our partners and the Blue Devil community, we're making strides toward a future where this is possible."
About the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation (PCRF)
The Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation (PCRF) 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 $68 million and is at the forefront of driving advancements in pediatric oncology- partnering with researchers, institutions, and donors to find cures and ensure brighter futures for children and families affected by cancer.
Guided by our priorities—Powering Research, Equitable Care, and Survivorship & Mental Health—PCRF focuses on accelerating groundbreaking research, reducing disparities in access to care, and enhancing quality of life for survivors. 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, visit
www.pcrf-kids.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, ESPN commentator and member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The V Foundation has funded over $500 million in game-changing cancer research grants in North America through a competitive process strictly supervised by a world-class Scientific Advisory Committee. Because the V Foundation has an endowment to cover administrative expenses, 100% of direct donations is awarded to cancer research and programs. The V team is committed to funding the best scientists to accelerate Victory Over Cancer® and save lives. To learn more, visit
v.org.
About Duke Children's
Duke Children's Hospital & Health Center is ranked among the top children's hospitals nationally in ten specialties by U.S. News & World Report. Every year thousands of children are treated at Duke Children's for a wide range of medical conditions, from common childhood illnesses to life-threatening diseases. Our staff of outstanding physicians and healthcare professionals bring a deep sense of dedication to delivering the finest care to each and every one of our patients. The research we accomplish saves and enhances the lives of many more thousands of young people who may never set foot inside any of our facilities, but who will benefit from a novel surgical technique perfected by Duke pediatric surgeons, a vaccine that Duke pediatric immunologists were among the first to test, or a new diagnostic technology refined for use in children.
About Nuna Baby
Nuna, the global brand with Dutch roots, has been focusing on creating smart, helpful and bold baby gear since 2007. First-hand experiences in parenthood show that practicality and beauty is the perfect balance when it comes to Nuna's clever solutions that span across car seat, stroller, and in-home categories. Inspired by the clean lines and ingenuity of Dutch design, the collection is as easy, safe, and as flexible as new parents need it to be. With thoughtful design put into every detail, Nuna designs around your life. Learn more about Nuna at
https://nunababy.com/usa.
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