The V Foundation Announces #MatchforTyler

The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, is excited to announce a new campaign in support of the Tyler Trent Fund at the V Foundation. Cannonball Kids’ cancer Foundation (CKc) will match every contribution up to $100,000 towards the Fund. The campaign, #MatchforTyler, will run through May 10, with donation totals announced that evening during the 14th Annual Dick Vitale Gala.

“Tyler [Trent] truly inspired us with his courage and conviction to help others with cancer,” said Susan Braun, CEO of the V Foundation. “We will award grants to study cancer in adolescents and young adults, a group often overlooked in research. This was very dear to Tyler's heart, and it is a focal area for our terrific partners at Cannonball Kids’.”

At only 20 years old, Trent passed away on January 1, 2019, from a rare bone cancer, osteosarcoma. In his memory, the Tyler Trent Fund was established at the V Foundation to raise funds for childhood cancer. The Trent Family will be honored in Sarasota, Fla., at the Gala on May 10, when #MatchforTyler donations are announced. Each year, Vitale honors kids fighting cancer and remembers those children we have lost. Since the V Foundation’s inception, more than $40 million has been awarded for pediatric cancer research.

“Cannonball Kids’ cancer Foundation’s mission is to fund innovative, accessible research for children fighting cancer, to provide better treatments and quality of life and to educate for change,” said Michael Wiggins, co-founder of CKc. “When Tyler was presented with the Disney Spirit Award on ESPN at the end of the 2018 college football season, he said, ‘There is always light at the end of the tunnel.’ CKc’s $100,000 match is part of that light, and the innovative research it funds will provide more. We are proud to partner with the V Foundation to honor Tyler Trent’s life and the impact he will have on finding a cure for those types of cancers suffered by children, and we hope that this matching lead gift from CKc inspires others to make an investment in pediatric cancer research.”

This past fall, Trent took the sports world by storm with his positive outlook. He inspired millions as he courageously battled cancer, all while rooting on his favorite team, the Purdue University Boilermakers. Trent was first diagnosed with cancer in 2014. After surgery and nine months of chemotherapy treatment, the cancer went into remission. In 2018, the cancer returned and spread into his spine. Throughout the 2018 football season, Trent’s popularity across the country grew; he drew attention from the Boilermakers, the media and people everywhere. Trent had a fan base and started using his platform to bring attention and donations to cancer research funds.

“Tyler Trent captivated all of us with his courageous battle against osteosarcoma” said Vitale. “He inspired so many and became a national hero, especially on the Purdue campus, where he was a student and loved by the Boilermakers family. Trent’s goal was to help those in a similar situation. Tyler will never ever be forgotten, and his legacy of courage, his love for others and his willingness to help others will go on forever through the Tyler Trent Fund.”

The V Foundation has proudly awarded more than $225 million for cutting-edge cancer research. The V Foundation holds a 4-star (highest) rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest evaluator of charities, and is among the top 3% of all charities evaluated. The V Foundation is a GuideStar Platinum charity.

For more information about the V Foundation for Cancer Research or to donate to the Tyler Trent Fund, please visit www.jimmyv.org/MatchForTyler.

About the V Foundation for Cancer Research

The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State University basketball coach and ESPN commentator. Since 1993, the Foundation has funded more than $225 million in cancer research grants nationwide. The V Foundation awards 100% of direct donations to cancer research and programs. The V Foundation’s endowment covers administrative expenses. The Foundation awards peer-reviewed grants through a competitive awards process strictly supervised by a Scientific Advisory Committee. For more information on the V Foundation or to make a donation, please visit www.jimmyv.org.

About Cannonball Kids’ cancer Foundation

Cannonball Kids’ cancer (CKc) Foundation was founded in 2014 by Michael and Melissa Wiggins after their experience of the battle of Stage IV Neuroblastoma by their son, Cannon. The Foundation is based in Orlando, Florida. Its mission is to fund innovative, accessible research for children fighting cancer, to provide better treatments and quality of life and to educate for change. To learn more, go to www.cannonballkidscancer.org.