The V Foundation for Cancer Research, one of the nation's leading cancer research fundraising organizations, announced today that the 2009 V Scholar grant that was recently awarded to Dr. Azam Mohammad at Cincinnati's Children's Hospital will be in memory of Anthony Negrin. This two year, $200,000 grant was awarded to Dr. Mohammed to aid in the research of molecular and therapeutic analysis of myeloid leukemia using human-pluripotent stem cells.

The V Foundation became acquainted with Negrin through the Dick Vitale Gala. Negrin, a Florida native who fought a three year battle with a rare blood disorder, was treated by Dr. Stella Davies and Dr. Pirinda Metha at Cincinnati's Children's Hospital. After a courageous battle with Fanconi anemia, Anthony, lost his battle with cancer on October 6th at age 19.

"Anthony epitomized the "never give up" spirit and courage demonstrated by Jim Valvano in his own battle against cancer", said Dick Vitale, V Foundation Board Member and Sarasota resident. "We are proud that we will help to keep Anthony's spirit alive by helping others in their battle against this vicious disease."

"Nothing can ease the pain of losing a child," said Sergio Negrin Senior, Anthony's father. "However, we are honored and grateful for The V Foundation and Dick Vitale to award Cincinnati Children's Hospital with this generous research grant. Anthony has left a legacy of courage and hope. We feel a slight consolation to know that Anthony's battle with cancer will have an impact in finding a cure for the many children that have cancer."

The V Scholars are the cornerstone of The V Foundation's grant program, funding young investigators as they initiate their research. Each V Scholar is selected through a competitive process by The V Foundation's Scientific Advisory Board. The V Scholar grants are designed to identify, retain and further the careers of young investigators. This unique funding process provides the essential funds to the facility, earmarked for the individual doctor, allowing the V Scholar to decide how best to use these funds in his or her research project.

"Drug resistance to cancer treatment is common and one of the most difficult challenges we face to the end goal of developing curative therapies," said Mohammad Azam, Ph.D. a researcher in the divisions of Pathology and Experimental Hematology/Cancer Biology at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, where Anthony Negrin was treated. "The V Foundation Scholar grant allows me to ask those challenging questions and understand their association with cancer progression and drug resistance."

To learn more about The V Foundation and to find out how you can get involved, call 1-800-4JimmyV or log onto www.jimmyv.org.

The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State basketball coach and ESPN commentator. Since 1993, The Foundation has raised more than $90 million to fund cancer research grants nationwide. It awards 100 percent of all direct cash donations and net proceeds of events directly to cancer research and related programs. The Foundation, which has received seven consecutive top 4-star ratings from Charity Navigator, awards grants through a competitive awards process strictly supervised by a Scientific Advisory Board. For more information on The V Foundation or to make a donation, please visit www.jimmyv.org.

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