Jamie Valvano
Inspirational Speaker, Advocate,
and Cancer Survivor
Jamie Valvano captivates audiences through emotional storytelling. Although she lost her father, Jim Valvano, in 1993, he created a powerful legacy that has continued to serve as her guide. Jamie draws wisdom from her own diagnosis of cancer, raising a special needs child, healing from loss, and gratefully embracing survivorship
Conceiving an audacious vision, surrounding yourself with a passionate team, and refusing to give up are the key components to experiencing your “cutting down the nets” moments. Jamie will share an unbelievable story of her father’s legacy, and her own battle to survive and advance through hardships. We will be inspired to examine every area of our lives as we contemplate the unimaginable that is within reach.
Learning Objectives:
1. Identify methods for shifting an ordinary life outlook to one that is extraordinary and purpose driven.
2. Define what “cutting down the nets” moments have looked like in your past and what they can look like moving forward.
3. Investigate the origin of Jamie’s emotional resilience and determine how this can be implemented in your own life experiences.
4. Outline action steps needed to transform your goals into bold and audacious visions.
About Jamie Valvano
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