Don't give up, don't ever give up

Posted: Friday, November 30, 2007 by Travis Cody in
20

Take the 10 minutes and watch. What's 10 minutes out of your life?



Jim Valvano (1946-1993) died of cancer less than two months after giving this speech. In the 14 years since the Jimmy V Foundation for Cancer Research was established, it has raised more than $60 million for cancer research.

The motto for the foundation is "Don't give up, don't ever give up".



NC State, coached by Jimmy V, beat Houston in the most improbable upset ever to win the 1983 NCAA Basketball Championship. They never gave up. And they created March Madness.

20 comments:

  1. I've heard of Jimmy V....but had never seen the speech...it was well worth the ten minutes...it made me smile, and think...and brought a tear to my eye.

    cancer sucks.

  1. Schmoop says:

    Jimmy V was a great gut with a big heart. I miss him, and I rarely say that about any celebrity type. Cheers Trav.

  1. This was one of those moments in time that - if you had seen it live, as I did - sticks in you mind forever...

    Jimmy V. was not only a coach, but a mentor, a teacher, a wonderful human being...

    Thank you Travis for allowing everyone to hear this truly inspiring speech

  1. Linda says:

    Very, very inspiring.

  1. Sandee says:

    Wow, that was awesome Travis. What a powerful passionate speech. Thanks for sharing this, and for you I watched the entire video and I'm glad I did. Have a great day and weekend. :)

  1. Dr. A says:

    That ESPY speech is something that I have etched in my mind. I agree with Bond. I saw it live as well, and I'll never forget it. Great post.

  1. Well, I've never even heard of the guy until now... thanks for sharing him!

  1. Anndi says:

    I'll have to come back, but knowing my bro...

    Have I told you lately how important you are to me?

    Hugs from the adoring lil sis.

  1. Katherine: He was that kind of inspiration.

    Matt: Yup.

    V: He was another coach that I never met, and yet just like Bill Walsh he had a positive impact on me right after high school.

    Linda: I watch this speech when I need a quick hit.

    Sandee: This is a little sample of what sports does for me, and it's really not all that much about sports.

    Doc A: It's defining, isn't it?

    Charles: Agreed.

    Kyra: I'm glad I could introduce you.

    Ann: I suspect that you'll appreciate it when you get a chance to see it. Big hugs.

  1. Jeff B says:

    He obviously lived that motto. Thanks for sharring that video with us.

  1. Akelamalu says:

    So inspiring, thanks for bringing it to the fore. x

  1. Unknown says:

    Great post Travis, inspirational!

  1. Liz Hill says:

    I remain ever grateful to know you.

    Such moving moments.

    Smooch

  1. This was a remarkable and beautiful speech by a beautiful bear of a man with a great great heart.

  1. Jeff: It was my pleasure.

    Akelamalu: When we can't find out how to inspire ourselves, sometimes it helps to have things like this.

    Pauline: Thanks!

    Turn: Awwww shucks.

    Jamie: He had a tremendous spirit.

  1. Meribah says:

    That was beautiful, Trav. I had never even heard of Jimmy V when he was alive...but I will remember him now. This truly moved me. Thank you for sharing.

  1. TopChamp says:

    what an attitude! He must have been inspirational to so many people - worth watching.

    60 million's a lot of money too..

  1. It's difficult to watch all of the March Madness hype and not think of Jimmy V. I remember his running around the court, looking for someone to hug, I remember his tenacity, I remember his courage.

    Great words. Thanks for sharing.

  1. I watched a lot of games growing up with this gentleman in my home state of North Carolina. He was always fiery on the court and so full of life.

    This WAS a worthwhile ten minutes of my life. Very moving. I'm working on a post about Eva Cassidy this week. The message is much the same. Thank you, Travis.

    You have no idea how much I needed this inspiration today.