Annual Event Offers Presentations from Top Cancer Researchers
July 1, 2025 (Napa Valley, CA) — The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer charity, is proud to host the Krzyzewski Family Cancer Research Symposium on Saturday, August 2, 2025 – an opportunity for guests to hear from the brightest minds in cancer research. The symposium, part of the 27th Annual V Foundation Wine Celebration, brings together all-star scientists funded by the V Foundation to share their groundbreaking studies, advancements in the cancer research field, and how this work directly impacts patient lives.
Held at The Social at The Estate Yountville in Napa Valley, California, the two-hour event begins at 9:30 a.m. PT and is free to the public to attend in person. Sponsored by ESPN and blackbaud and named in honor of longstanding V Foundation supporters Mickie and Mike “Coach K” Krzyzewski, the symposium includes three innovative cancer research presentations and offers attendees the opportunity to ask questions and engage directly with the scientists.
The V Foundation funds research from top scientists throughout North America, totaling more than 1,300 grant awards in its history. These researchers, across the entirety of their careers, have been awarded 5,500 research grants, generating more than $20 billion in additional research funding. This investment by the V Foundation and its generous donors will continue to have an impactful ripple effect throughout the research community.
The symposium begins with an introduction by Nancy Davidson, M.D., the V Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Committee Chair and Executive Vice President of Clinical Affairs at Fred Hutch Cancer Center. The event will then move into presentations by three V Foundation grantees: Christine Chio, Ph.D., of Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center at Columbia University; Heather Christofk, Ph.D., of UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center; and Santosha Vardhana, M.D., Ph.D., of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. These three researchers are leading laboratories at the forefront of cancer research and their presentations will focus on a critical area of research: cancer prevention and interception. The event will conclude with a robust live audience Q & A session moderated by the V Foundation’s Chief Scientific Officer, Susanna Greer, Ph.D.
The Krzyzewski Family Cancer Research Symposium is part of the event schedule for the V Foundation Wine Celebration, a three-day signature event that raises funds for the V Foundation. For more information on the V Foundation Wine Celebration, please visit v.org/wine.
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. The V Foundation has funded nearly $400 million in game-changing cancer research grants nationwide through a competitive process strictly supervised by a world-class Scientific Advisory Committee. The V Foundation has been awarded 13 consecutive 4-star ratings (out of 4) by Charity Navigator, placing it in the top 2% of all charities evaluated. The V team is committed to accelerating Victory Over Cancer®. To learn more or donate, visit v.org.
About the V Foundation for Cancer Research Wine Celebration
Since 1999, the V Foundation for Cancer Research Wine Celebration has raised nearly $170 million for groundbreaking cancer research and related programs. This signature series of events in the stunning Napa Valley demonstrates that commitment, passion and giving become the catalyst for positive change. For more information, please visit v.org/wine.
