Voices for Victory

Joining us is small town athlete to national sports anchor, Michael Eaves. On this episode, Michael speaks to the challenges of climbing the ladder, competition in the game of broadcasting, and appreciating the small successes along the way. He also speaks to how a small introduction turns into huge opportunity to impact millions through cancer research fundraising. Tune in to hear how Michael reflects on his personal connection to cancer and how he has impacted new research innovations through his philanthropic efforts.

In April of 2023, Bricoleur Vineyards co-founder Sarah Hanson Citron received the challenging diagnosis of breast cancer. As an extraordinary leader and devoted young mother, Sarah's strength is an inspiration. In this episode, Sarah shares more about her breast cancer journey and her view of victory. While almost misdiagnosed because of her age, she kept persevering. She wants everyone to know that without her clinical trial - she wouldn't be here and that cancer research is game-changing.

Joining us today is Suleika Jaouad, an Emmy award-winning journalist and celebrated Ted Speaker. Suleika is the author of the instant New York Times Bestselling memoir: Between Two Kingdoms, which recounts her odyssey of healing and self-discovery after a leukemia diagnosis at the age of 22, which has only a 35% chance of survival. Suleika is now cancer free and is our featured speaker for our wine celebration in Napa Valley at the President's and Vintner Grant Honoree luncheon. 

Dereck Whittenberg was a starting guard on Jim Valvano’s 1983 NCAA Basketball Championship team at NCSU. After a successful career at NCSU, the Phoenix Suns drafted him in the 1983 NBA Draft. Dereck later established a coaching career of his own. He joined NC State University (NCSU) as the Director of Player Development in 2013. He was promoted in October 2015 to Associate Athletics Director for Community Relations and Student Support. He also joined ESPN in 2010. His work includes the program Buzzer Beater and select games appearing on ESPNU. Dereck can also be heard on ESPN Radio. Dereck was recently made Event Chair of the V Foundation’s 30th Anniversary Gala, which will be held June 3rd in Raleigh, North Carolina at Reynolds Coliseum.

Dr. Susanna Greer, Ph.D. is the Chief Scientific Officer of the V Foundation. In this role, Dr. Greer is a visionary ambassador of the V Foundation who works with our scientific advisory committee to steer funding to the most promising research opportunities. An accomplished strategist. She develops and articulates priorities to enhance the V Foundation's research portfolio, gifts, grants, and sponsorships. These are designed to advance the V Foundation's distinctive brand of cutting-edge and disruptive research. Susanna has spearheaded a grant of her own initiative for the V Foundation and will be leading our V Summit this month. Susanna, thank you for taking the time to join us.

Greg Simon served as the president of the Biden Cancer Initiative from 2017 to 2019. Previously, he was the executive director of the White House Cancer Moonshot Task Force under then Vice President Joe Biden in the Obama administration.Greg has held senior positions in both chambers of Congress, served in two presidential administrations, and was a senior strategy consultant to a variety of international technology CEOs. Greg will be a guest speaker at the 2023 Sonoma Epicurean Event raising funds for the V Foundation. 

Tylee Craft plays wide receiver on the UNC Tar Heels football team. A lifelong athlete, Tylee's life changed on March 14, 2022, when he visited his doctor to discuss issues with back pain and spasms. Tylee's pain indicated a bigger problem, and he was diagnosed with Stage IV large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma. Since the diagnosis, Tylee has stayed active with his team and shared a message of hope through difficult circumstances. He recently received the 2022 Disney Spirit Award, which honors the most inspirational figure in college football.

In 2019, Larry Holm’s wife, Sarah, was diagnosed with uterine cancer. After a 21-month battle, she ultimately lost her life to the disease. During Sarah’s cancer treatment, Larry became her primary caregiver — managing doctor’s appointments, treatments, and daily life tasks — in addition to navigating the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic and maintaining his role as a Supervising Producer at the Golf Channel. In this episode, Larry shares Sarah’s cancer story and reiterates the importance of funding the work of doctors and scientists to advance the cure for cancer. 

Stan Verrett is a SportsCenter anchor based in Los Angeles who has hosted on ESPN for 22 years and counting. Stan will co-host Boo-Yah! A Celebration of Stuart Scott on December 5th with Hill Harper in New York City. In this episode, Stan reflects on the broadcasting legacy of Stuart Scott and John Saunders and shares stories of his most memorable moments at ESPN so far.

Duane Mitchell, MD, PhD, and a V Foundation Scholar, doesn’t settle for good. He aims to be great. He’s working on more individualized cancer treatments by training the body’s own immune system to attack cancer.