Jamie Valvano is an ordinary person that has been transformed by extraordinary circumstances. She witnessed the amazing victory when her beloved father, legendary basketball coach Jim Valvano, realized his life-long dream of winning the National Championship in 1983. Years later, however, her family was
devastated when Jim was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Jamie was in the audience during his famous ESPY speech in 1993 when he stated, “We are establishing The V Foundation for Cancer Research. It may not save my life, it may save my children’s lives, it may save someone you love.”

After graduating from North Carolina State University, Jamie worked for The V Foundation for Cancer Research in its formative years and helped to establish the organization that has now awarded over $330 million to cancer facilities across the nation. In 2005, at the age of 33, Jamie was diagnosed with breast cancer. As a result of ground breaking research, doctors were able to uncover the genetic mutation that she had inherited from her father, and create a course of treatment that would increase her odds of survival. The prophetic words her father spoke took on an entirely different meaning now that she was
facing her own battle.

Eighteen years after her diagnosis, Jamie continues to share private and personal insights to a variety of audiences in her role as a public speaker. She uses her voice as a cancer survivor, mother, and writer always pushing others to embrace their personal vision. Individuals cannot help but be inspired by the open, honest, and often heartbreaking lessons