WATCH: Daughter of Legendary Basketball Coach Jim Valvano Talks With Steve Wilson in Exclusive Interview

'SIT DOWN WITH STEVE'

WATCH: Jamie Valvano, daughter of legendary basketball coach Jim Valvano, talks with Steve Wilson in the latest edition of “Sit Down with Steve.” Jamie talks about her dad, the Jimmy V Foundation for Cancer Research, Special Olympics, and much more, in this exclusive interview.

BREVAR COUNTY, FLORIDA – Jamie Valvano’s dad was one of the most dynamic college basketball coaches of all time. Jim Valvano led North Carolina State University to an unlikely national championship in 1983 and the cancer research foundation that bears his name, the Jimmy V Foundation, has raised over $350 million.

Jamie was with her dad in 1993, the night he was awarded the Arthur Ashe Courage and Humanitarian Award. That night in New York, and two months before his death due to cancer, he gave what some describe as the most powerful speech ever given.

Thirteen years after Valvano died, Jamie was diagnosed with breast cancer and was determined to be inherited the BRACA2 gene from her dad.

Jim Valvano’s words the night of the Arthur Ashe Award Ceremony proved to be prophetic:

“We are establishing the V Foundation for Cancer Research. It may not save my life, it may save my children’s lives, it may save someone you love.”

Jamie has been involved with the V Foundation from its inception. She has made a tremendous impact with that organization alone. But that is not all.

Jamie says, “Because of that discovery, they changed the way they treated me, and I am alive today.”

When Jamie’s second son, Grant, was diagnosed with multiple health issues, they became involved with Special Olympics.

According to Jamie, “Grant loves exercising, athletics and competition,” so it was a natural fit that the Valvano’s become involved with their local Special Olympics chapter. They also support the national organization.

Jamie Valvano is following in her dad’s footsteps. She is a motivational speaker, she promotes the V Foundation, is involved with Special Olympics, and does much more. She is truly making a difference, just like her dad.

For more information log on to www.JamieValvano.com

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