Jessica Long

Swimmer and 29x Paralympic medalist, world champion & record holder Charity: V Foundation for Cancer Research Jessica Tatiana Long is a Russian-American Paralympic swimmer from Baltimore, Maryland, who competes in the S8, SB7 and SM8 category events. She has held many world records and competed at five Paralympic Games, winning 29 medals (16 of them gold). She has also won over 50 world championship medals. Jessica’s life has been nothing short of amazing. Born to a teenage mother in the Siberia cold, burdened by congenital defects in her legs requiring double amputation, and placed for adoption at 13 months old, Jessica was able to persevere and become a 29x Paralympic medalist, world champion and record holder. With an unrelenting determination and belief in herself, Jessica has been able to reach the pinnacle of her sport and maintain her position amongst the best in the world for over a decade. Now as one of America’s most decorated champions and winningest female athletes in US history, her work focuses on succeeding in the water and inspiring others outside the pool. “With the never ending support of my family I understood that the only thing that was going to impact my future was my attitude towards my life.” V Foundation for Cancer Research The V Foundation for Cancer Research is a charitable organization founded in 1993 by ESPN and legendary basketball coach Jim Valvano. The foundation's mission is to raise funds to support cancer research and awareness, with the ultimate goal of finding a cure for this devastating disease. The V Foundation provides funding for a wide range of cancer research programs, from basic science to clinical research studies, and it has awarded millions in grants to date. The foundation is known for its commitment to advancing cancer research and its ability to bring together researchers, clinicians, and philanthropists to work towards a common goal. It is dedicated to carrying on Jim Valvano's legacy of perseverance, hope, and determination in the fight against cancer.