The "Lefty" Driesell Memorial Fund

Lefty was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018.  He was the Head Basketball Coach at Granby and Newport News High Schools, Davidson College, University of Maryland, James Madison University, and Georgia State University.  His achievements and contributions to the game of college basketball and his investment in the lives of hundreds of young men are too numerous to list but are well-documented in the media. His children and grandchildren remain his biggest fans, and while proud of his coaching accolades, they want others to know that there was so much more to love about him.  While their hearts are heavy with grief, they also give thanks to God for the 92 years Lefty stirred up excitement, laughter, and fun in this world. From coaching on the basketball court, recruiting on the road, boating on the Delaware Bay, and body surfing at Bethany Beach; there are endless stories and memories of Lefty adventures and antics. True to form, his life went into OT and eventually he went out just the way he wanted to – in his home overlooking the Chesapeake Bay and the beach where his story with his wife Joyce began.  Lefty was a pillar of strength in each of the communities where he and Joyce lived, attending church and supporting a variety of charities and causes. 

As competing coaches in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), Lefty Driesell and Jimmy Valvano shared their own stories of their love of basketball and winning traditions.  We are passionate about the V Foundation because it shares a common goal among coaches to inspire, give and never give up.  

As family and friends of "Lefty" Driesell, we want to celebrate and remember his life. 

Cancer research is important to us because we know, someday, cancer will be a disease of the past. We have designated donations to the V Foundation for Cancer Research because "Lefty" Driesell embodied the same spirit as Jim Valvano... "Don't Give Up ... Don't Ever Give Up!®

We will never give up in the fight against cancer. Thank you for standing beside us, for remembering "Lefty" and for considering a gift to the V Foundation in "Lefty" Driesell's memory.  

About the V Foundation for Cancer Research

The V Foundation for Cancer Research is dedicated to declaring Victory Over Cancer®. It 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 funded over $353 million in cancer research grants nationwide. It awards 100% of direct donations to cancer research and programs. The V Foundation’s endowment covers administrative expenses. The Foundation awards peer-reviewed grants through a competitive award process vetted by an all-volunteer Scientific Advisory Committee.

By making a donation, you support cutting-edge research nationwide for all cancer types. You will be saving lives. Make a difference today. Join us!

For more information on the V Foundation, please visit v.org.