Hundreds dribble around UNC's campus to raise money for pediatric cancer research

Participates dribbled alongside Tar Heels men’s and women’s basketball players for one mile, starting at Carmichael Auditorium and going to the Old Well, then the Bell Tower and back to Carmichael Auditorium.

Jessica Gaspar, A UNC Basketball player from 1995 to 1999, participated in the event to honor her nephew, Nick, who passed away from cancer in May.

“He was a jokester. All he cared about is just putting smiles on everybody's face,” Gaspar said. “He never complained, always fought that battle and always moved forward. So his memory will live on through us.”

According to Rebecca Erquitt, Assistant Director of Communications with the V Foundation, over 15,000 children and adolescents are diagnosed with pediatric cancer each year.

It’s a number that’s far too many for Erquitt.

“We need research to keep driving forward to figure out ‘How can we attack this thing?’” Erquitt said. “How can we create gentler treatments that are a better fit for kids in their growing bodies?”

Over the last three decades, the V Foundation has funded $310 million in research grants to help answer those questions, with $68 million alone going to pediatric cancer research. Erquitt said she enjoys seeing the passion people have for finding a cure for pediatric cancer.

“There’s an energy that you just can't deny,” Erquitt said. “It’s families. It’s kids. It’s athletes. It’s organizations that are all coming together with this shared passion for giving kids the healthy, beautiful feature they deserve.”

Jessica Gaspar is hopeful the research and fundraising can help save future children.

“We were unfortunate, but, you know, we want to just give back to those families that are going through this,” Gaspar said. “Hopefully, in years to come, we can fight this battle together.”

The next Dribble for Victory will take place on October 7 at Duke University.