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. katherine. says:
    29 November, 2007 22:11

    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:
    30 November, 2007 04:35

    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. Vinny "Bond" Marini says:
    30 November, 2007 05:18

    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:
    30 November, 2007 09:03

    Very, very inspiring.

  1. Sandee says:
    30 November, 2007 09:08

    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:
    30 November, 2007 10:30

    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. Charles Gramlich says:
    30 November, 2007 11:30

    Good stuff.

  1. the Book of Keira says:
    30 November, 2007 11:45

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

  1. Anndi says:
    30 November, 2007 12:42

    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. Travis Cody says:
    30 November, 2007 17:05

    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:
    30 November, 2007 21:17

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

  1. Akelamalu says:
    01 December, 2007 01:25

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

  1. Unknown says:
    01 December, 2007 03:02

    Great post Travis, inspirational!

  1. Liz Hill says:
    01 December, 2007 07:55

    I remain ever grateful to know you.

    Such moving moments.

    Smooch

  1. Durward Discussion says:
    01 December, 2007 09:04

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

  1. Travis Cody says:
    01 December, 2007 11:54

    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:
    01 December, 2007 17:24

    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:
    02 December, 2007 05:51

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

    60 million's a lot of money too..

  1. Desert Songbird says:
    03 December, 2007 11:15

    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. Mimi Lenox says:
    05 December, 2007 08:53

    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.

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