You might recognize the quote I've titled this post with as being associated with former North Carolina State basketball coach Jim Valvano. "Jimmy V" led the NC State Wolfpack to the 1983 NCAA Championship over the heavily favored Houston Cougars (the "Phi Slama Jama" team that had future NBA Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon on its team). Even though I was rooting for Houston in that game, I'll never forget watching Valvano run around the court in disbelief and joy -- and looking for someone to hug -- after that last game ended with a buzzer beater to seal the win for NC State. It was really great to watch!
The quote I referenced is the motto for The V Foundation for Cancer Research which was set up by "Jimmy V" not long before his death in 1993 at age 47. They've raised millions of dollars for cancer research and programs related to such research. One of the great things about this charity is that 100 percent of the net proceeds and direct donations to the foundation go towards cancer research and related programs. Quite an accomplishment!
I saw the video above on ESPN Wednesday night for the first time in many years. Valvano's speech in this video, from the 1993 ESPY Awards, remains one of the most inspiring speeches I've ever heard. Delivered less than two months before "Jimmy V" died, this speech helped start a wonderful foundation, and for me it's served as inspiration to remember to live life to the fullest and to keep going during life's difficult times. The speech is a little over 10 minutes long, and I promise you that every minute is worth watching.
Love life, keep fighting, and don't give up! Don't ever give up!
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