On today's episode, we talk with ESPN Senior Vice President of Programming and Acquisitions Ilan Ben-Hanan. Ilan is a three-time cancer survivor and was an instrumental voice in conceptualizing what is now ESPN's V Week. Ben-Hanan was initially reserved about sharing his personal cancer story with colleagues at ESPN, but was so moved by a speech from Mike Krzyzewski at the annual Dick Vitale Gala that he rose to his feet when Coach K called for survivors to stand.
We talk with Ilan about his diagnoses, the first of which occurred as a senior in college, the mental toughness it takes when you face an additional diagnosis years later, and how V Week went from an idea to the fundraising and awareness giant it is today.
Tune in for this year's V Week on ESPN beginning on #GivingTuesday (November 30) through Dec.13. And please consider a donation to life-saving cancer research at v.org/donate.
