Oral Cancer Cause Joins with the V Foundation for Cancer Research
*LARGO, FL / ACCESSWIRE / April 4, 2024 /* Oral Cancer Cause (OCC), a non-profit organization focused on improving the lives of oral cancer patients and their families, announced today that it will be joining forces with top-rated cancer charity, the V Foundation for Cancer Research, to support lifesaving research. By directing funds through the V Foundation, OCC will shift its focus to supporting carefully vetted, cutting-edge oral cancer research at prominent cancer centers nationwide.
Founded in 2013 by Linda Miles and Robin Morrison in memory of loved ones lost to oral cancer, OCC focused on providing financial relief for patients undergoing treatment and educating the public about the dangers of oral cancer to save lives nationwide.
"Thanks to the dedication of dental and medical professionals and the tireless support of our sponsoring partners and dental and medical associations, OCC has made a difference in the lives of oral cancer patients and their families," said Miles, who lost her sister-in-law to oral cancer in 2012. "It has been an amazing decade, but there is so much more that needs to be done in the fight against oral cancer, work that can be better accomplished under the V Foundation umbrella."
Adds Morrison, whose brother passed from oral cancer in 2012, "Research into oral, head and neck cancers has increased significantly, but it remains one of the most neglected areas of study. By joining forces with the V Foundation, OCC can help change that by dedicating our efforts to funding the research that is necessary to uncover more effective treatments and, one day, find a cure for this devastating disease."
The V Foundation, which holds 12 consecutive 4-star ratings from Charity Navigator and is a GuideStar Platinum Transparency rated charity, is committed to funding game-changing research and all-star scientists to accelerate Victory Over Cancer® and save lives. In 2023, it awarded nearly $43 million in grants to 73 research teams from prestigious cancer centers - the highest amount the V Foundation has granted in any single year. In the more than 30 years since its founding, the organization has awarded more than $353 million in research grants across all cancer types.
"The V Foundation's grant award process is monitored by our incredible Scientific Advisory Committee, a group of the nation's top cancer clinician scientists and researchers who ensure that the most promising research projects receive funding," said Susanna Greer, PhD., Chief Scientific Officer at the V Foundation. "We're honored that the Oral Cancer Cause has placed their trust in the V Foundation to continue the mission of improving patient lives through the lens of groundbreaking cancer research."
OCC fundraising activities will now benefit the V Foundation, which is committed to saving lives and uncovering cures for cancer. This includes supporting the 19th annual Dick Vitale Gala, benefiting the V Foundation, taking place May 3, 2024, in Sarasota, Fla. Honorees are Derek Jeter, Baseball Hall of Fame; Jeff Gordon, NASCAR Hall of Fame; and Rick Barnes, Tennessee Men's Head Basketball Coach. The John Saunders Courage Award will be presented, posthumously, to Nikki McCray, Women's Basketball Hall of Fame. Jim Kelly, Pro Football Hall of Fame, will be presented with The Dick Vitale Spirit Award.
Through its strategic allocation of resources and unwavering dedication, the V Foundation empowers the brightest minds in the field to push the boundaries of cancer research in all disciplines and across all patient journeys.
"This collaboration with the V Foundation will allow us to expand our work raising awareness about oral cancer while also allowing us to step into the important role of supporting oral cancer research in a far more impactful way that we could on our own," says OCC Director Edward Zuckerberg, DDS, FAGD.
"We are incredibly proud of everything OCC has accomplished over the past 10 years and are excited to embark on this next stage in the battle against oral cancer through the V Foundation, where every dollar of every direct donation goes toward cancer research," adds OCC Advisory Board Member Jeff Blackburn, DDS.
More information on how to help OCC raise critical funds to support the V Foundation in its fight against oral cancer can be found here.
*About the V Foundation:*
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. The V Foundation has funded over $353 million in game-changing cancer research grants nationwide 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 are awarded to cancer research and programs. The V team is committed to accelerating Victory Over Cancer^®. To learn more, visit v.org.
*About Oral Cancer Cause:*
The Oral Cancer Cause (www.oralcancercause.org) was founded in 2012 and received 501(c)3 status in August of 2013. OCC works to provide financial relief for patients while they undergo treatment. OCC is dedicated to educating the public about the dangers of oral cancer in an effort to save lives nationwide.
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*Media Contact:*
Liz Goar
liz@npccs.com
*SOURCE:* Oral Cancer Cause
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