The Iowa Vs. Duke Matchup Is About More Than Just Basketball

When Iowa takes the floor against Duke next Tuesday at Madison Square Garden in New York City it will be a big moment for Hawkeye basketball fans. But Iowa being a part of the Jimmy V Classic means more than just a great game. It means crucial funding to help fight childhood cancer.

The University of Iowa is partnering with the V Foundation for Cancer Research for the 16th annual V Week for Cancer Research. According to a press release, the week kicked off on Giving Tuesday and wraps up on December 11th. The week, and the V Foundation, is named after former North Carolina State basketball coach Jim Valvano, whose life was taken by cancer, but whose spirit inspired us all.

In the spirit of Valvano, Iowa and the other seven schools taking part in the Jimmy V Classic will also raise funds to help support cancer research, including here at home. Some of the money raised will go to the University of Iowa's Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Program. The programs focus on patients aged 13-39 and their journey through cancer treatments and appointments.

The event hits especially close to home for the McCaffery family. Pattrick McCaffery, who starts for Iowa, was treated for thyroid cancer at the age of 14. McCaffery says that "he'll continue to be an advocate and role model for cancer research." And now you can step up and support cancer research yourself!

Now through December 9th, fans can donate money on behalf of the University of Iowa at foriowa.info/jimmyv. All the money raised will be split 50/50 with the Jimmy V Foundation and the local research efforts of the schools involved. So, yes, cheer on Iowa against Duke next Tuesday. But donate now to a bigger fight. The fight to find a cure to end cancer.

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