Introduction
Jim Valvano — better known by fans as “Jimmy V” — was much more than a celebrated college basketball coach. He was an indomitable spirit, a gifted motivator, and a man who refused to surrender to despair even in the face of a terminal illness. When he died on April 28, 1993, at just 47 years old, the world lost a passionate leader. But his legacy — especially through his heartfelt speech at the inaugural ESPY Awards — continues to resonate, inspiring millions to “laugh, think and cry” every day. This article explores his life, the cancer that claimed him, the famous ESPY speech, and how he died — along with what he left behind.
Early Life and Career Highlights
Born March 10, 1946, in Queens, New York, Jim Valvano’s life was deeply rooted in basketball. As a player at Rutgers University, he played from 1964 to 1967. Later, he transitioned to coaching, with stints at several universities before finding his greatest success at North Carolina State University (NC State), where he served as head coach from 1980 to 1990.
Valvano’s crowning achievement came in 1983, when his underdog NC State team — widely written off — defied the odds and won the 1983 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament national championship. That improbable “Cinderella run” is still regarded as one of the most dramatic upsets in college basketball history.
But Valvano’s influence extended beyond the court. After resigning from coaching, he pursued a broadcasting career with networks like ESPN and ABC Sports. Alongside ESPN analyst Dick Vitale, they became known as “the Killer Vees,” beloved for their energetic commentary.
Cancer Diagnosis: What Cancer Did Jim Valvano Have?
In June 1992, Valvano received devastating news: he had metastatic adenocarcinoma. Adenocarcinoma is a form of cancer that originates in glandular tissue (tissues that secrete substances such as mucus or hormones). In Valvano’s case, the cancer had metastasized — meaning it had spread beyond its origin, affecting multiple parts of his body including the spine and bones.
Doctors discovered abnormalities in his lower vertebrae through MRI tests. That tumor — described by Valvano himself in candid and heartbreaking terms — was just the visible tip of a much larger and aggressive disease.
Despite the terminal diagnosis, Valvano refused to fade quietly. Instead, he chose to fight — not just with treatments, but with hope, resilience, and his trademark optimism.
The Legendary ESPY Speech
One of the most enduring moments in sports and motivational history came on March 4, 1993, at the inaugural ESPN ESPY Awards. Valvano, already weakened by cancer, delivered what has become known as one of the most powerful speeches ever given on live television.
He received the first-ever Arthur Ashe Courage Award. Accepting the award, he candidly acknowledged that he was dying — but used that moment to deliver a message much larger than his personal fight. In moving, sometimes raw, yet hopeful words, he said:
“Cancer can take away all my physical abilities. It cannot touch my mind, it cannot touch my heart, and it cannot touch my soul. And those three things are going to carry on forever.”
He urged everyone to value each day, to cherish laughter, thought, tears — the full range of being alive. He said that even if cancer took his body, it could never take away what made him human. Soon after, he announced the formation of a foundation to help fight cancer — one that, he hoped, would outlive him.
It was during that speech that Valvano delivered the now-famous motto of his foundation: “Don’t Give Up… Don’t Ever Give Up!”
The raw honesty, the defiant hope, the courage to laugh and cry in the same breath — the speech remains a standard in motivational speaking and cancer awareness, replayed frequently by fans and sports networks alike.
Founding of The V Foundation for Cancer Research
During the ESPY speech, Valvano announced the creation of the V Foundation — a charity dedicated to supporting cancer research. The foundation would carry forward his dream: to one day see a world without cancer.
Since its inception in 1993, the V Foundation has awarded nearly 1,200 grants to researchers across premier institutions in the United States, collectively funding over USD 310 million in cancer research.
Through the Foundation, Valvano’s fight — and spirit — has impacted countless lives. He may have lost his personal battle with cancer, but his legacy continues to fuel hope, research, and advocacy — for patients, survivors, and loved ones worldwide.
Death of Jim Valvano: How Did He Die?
Less than two months after his stirring ESPY speech, Jim Valvano passed away on April 28, 1993, at age 47. He died at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina, after a nearly year-long battle with metastatic adenocarcinoma.
Though treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation were attempted, the cancer was too aggressive. According to reports, Valvano spent his final months undergoing hospital visits, therapy sessions, and painful treatments — yet remained mentally sharp, emotionally generous, and inspiring to those around him.
He was laid to rest at Oakwood Cemetery in Raleigh, North Carolina. Fittingly, his tombstone bears the words his life and final speech are known for: “Take time every day to laugh, to think, to cry.”
The Legacy Lives On
While Valvano’s life was tragically cut short, his legacy has endured — and even grown — over the decades. A few key aspects of that legacy:
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The V Foundation remains a major force in funding cancer research, driving innovation and hope.
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The Jimmy V Classic — a yearly college basketball event — raises awareness and funds for cancer support and research, continuing Valvano’s mission.
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At the ESPY Awards, the Jimmy V Award is presented annually to an athlete or sports figure who exemplifies perseverance and determination. The award is named in his honor, keeping his memory alive in sporting culture.
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Above all, countless people — cancer survivors, advocates, fans, athletes, coaches — recount how his “Don’t give up” attitude inspired them to keep fighting, keep dreaming, and keep living. His words still bring hope, comfort, and strength.
FAQs
Q: What kind of cancer did Jim Valvano have?
A: Jim Valvano had metastatic adenocarcinoma, a type of glandular cancer that had spread beyond its original site, including to his spine and bones.
Q: When was Jim Valvano diagnosed?
A: He was diagnosed in June 1992.
Q: When did Jim Valvano die, and how old was he?
A: He died on April 28, 1993, at the age of 47.
Q: What made his ESPY speech so memorable?
A: Despite being terminally ill, Valvano delivered a moving, honest, and hopeful speech at the first-ever ESPY Awards (March 4, 1993). He spoke about life, gratitude, love, and resilience — and used the moment to announce the founding of the V Foundation to fight cancer. His words “Don’t give up… Don’t ever give up” and “Laugh, think and cry every day” resonated deeply with millions.
Q: What happened to the foundation that he created?
A: The foundation — the V Foundation for Cancer Research — continues to operate and has awarded nearly 1,200 grants, funding more than USD 310 million in cancer research across leading institutions.
Q: How is Jim Valvano remembered today?
A: He is remembered not just as a legendary coach, but as a symbol of courage, hope, and perseverance. His legacy lives on through the V Foundation, the Jimmy V Classic, the Jimmy V Award, and — most importantly — the countless individuals inspired by his life and message.
Conclusion
Jim Valvano’s life was too short — but the story he told, and the message he left behind, endured far beyond his years. Diagnosed with a terminal cancer, Valvano chose not to surrender to despair. Instead, he stood before the world, vulnerable yet defiant, and gave a speech that transformed pain into purpose. Through the V Foundation, the Jimmy V Classic, and the countless individuals touched by his words, Valvano’s spirit continues to fight.
