Introduction
Jim Valvano — known affectionately as “Jimmy V” — is celebrated not just for his brilliance as a basketball coach and his 1983 underdog victory with NC State Wolfpack, but also for the dignity and hope he showed during his battle with cancer. Despite a terminal diagnosis, he used his last days to inspire millions, launching a foundation for cancer research and delivering what has become one of the most iconic speeches in sports history. This article uncovers the type of cancer he had, his family (especially his daughters), and the date and legacy of his legendary speech.
What Kind of Cancer Did Jim Valvano Have?
In June 1992, Jim Valvano was diagnosed with metastatic adenocarcinoma — a form of glandular cancer that had spread, notably involving his bones.
Adenocarcinoma refers to cancers that originate in glandular tissues (the tissues that line certain internal organs). In Valvano’s case, the disease was aggressive and widespread — marking a terminal diagnosis.
Though his health deteriorated rapidly, Valvano continued to show unfathomable strength and optimism. As noted by his foundation and biographers, his fight was not just for himself — it was a fight to bring hope and better outcomes for future generations.
Family Life — Daughters of Jim Valvano
Jim Valvano was married to his high-school sweetheart, Pam, and together they had three daughters: Nicole Valvano, Jamie Valvano, and Lee Ann Valvano.
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Jamie Valvano, notably, later battled breast cancer and survived. In 2025, she was honored with a “Spirit of Jimmy V Award,” underscoring the enduring impact of her father’s message and legacy.
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In his ESPY speech, Jim himself acknowledged that founding the cancer research foundation might not save his life — but it could save the life of someone else’s daughter, or child.
Through his daughters and their continued advocacy, Jim Valvano’s mission lives on — not only in memory, but in action.
The Legendary Speech — Date, Context & Message
The most enduring public moment of Valvano’s battle with cancer came at the very first ESPY Awards on March 4, 1993.
At this ceremony, Valvano accepted the inaugural Arthur Ashe Courage and Humanitarian Award. While accepting the honor, he announced the creation of a new charity, the V Foundation for Cancer Research, with the now-famous motto:
“Don’t Give Up… Don’t Ever Give Up.”
During this deeply emotional address — delivered while terminally ill — Valvano said one of the most memorable lines:
“Cancer can take away all of 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 also shared a simple yet profound formula for living each day fully:
“To me, there are three things we all should do every day … Number one is laugh. … Number two is think. … Number three is you should have your emotions moved to tears … If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that’s a full day. That’s a heck of a day.”
He delivered that speech knowing he had very little time left — and less than two months later, he passed away.
Legacy — How His Fight Lives On
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The V Foundation, born from that 1993 speech, has since funded hundreds of cancer research grants, supporting cutting-edge work to find treatments and cures.
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An annual basketball event — the Jimmy V Classic — is held in his memory, raising awareness and funds for cancer research each year.
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Every year, people revisit his speech — and many still find courage and hope in his words. Articles written decades later remind us that “Cancer can take away my physical abilities … but not my mind, heart, or soul.”
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Through his daughters — especially his daughter Jamie, herself a cancer survivor — Valvano’s message continues to reach new generations.
FAQs
Q: What type of cancer did Jim Valvano have?
A: He was diagnosed with metastatic adenocarcinoma, a type of glandular cancer that had spread, including to his bones.
Q: When did Jim Valvano give his famous ESPY speech?
A: His iconic speech was delivered on March 4, 1993, at the first ever ESPY Awards.
Q: What was the purpose of that speech?
A: He used the platform to announce the founding of the V Foundation for Cancer Research — turning his personal battle into a public mission to fund cancer research and hope for future cures.
Q: How many daughters did Jim Valvano have — and what are their names?
A: He had three daughters: Nicole Valvano, Jamie Valvano, and Lee Ann Valvano.
Q: Does his legacy still live on today?
A: Yes. The V Foundation continues awarding grants for cancer research; the annual Jimmy V Classic raises funds and awareness; and his famous speech remains an enduring symbol of courage, hope, and perseverance.
Conclusion
Jim Valvano was so much more than a brilliant basketball coach. In the face of a devastating metastatic adenocarcinoma diagnosis, he turned his final days into a beacon of hope — rallying millions with a simple message: “Don’t Give Up… Don’t Ever Give Up.” On March 4, 1993, at the ESPY Awards, he laid the foundation — literally and metaphorically — for a legacy that continues to fight cancer today. Through his daughters, the V Foundation, and the countless people inspired by his words, his spirit lives on.
He reminded us that even when the body fails, the mind, heart, and soul remain undefeated.
