“If you came to save some lives tonight, say oh yeah!”- Ciara had the audience chanting these lines with her at the V Foundations event. The energy was electric, and the mood for the evening was more than just about wine and good vibes. And in the middle of everything? Ciara and Russell Wilson on the stage, transforming their star power into something truly impactful.

Ciara and Russell Wilson are a formidable duo in entertainment and sports. But they are also playing a major role in the fight against cancer. As dedicated board members of the V Foundation, they’ve been instrumental in raising funds for pediatric cancer research. And their latest effort? A massive $3 million fundraiser at the V Foundation for Cancer Research’s Sonoma Epicurean event.

The money raised will help several research teams, giving each study an extra three to four years of financing to pursue innovative cancer research. Over the past 25 years, the V Foundation has raised more than $168 million for cancer research through its wine country activities. The Foundation was established in 1993 by the renowned basketball coach Jim Valvano to obtain “Victory Over Cancer” through the sponsorship of innovative research. Since then, it has given more than $353 million in grants for cancer research to renowned researchers at leading cancer hospitals across the country.

And now this recent event has raised more money to add to the cause. To break the news, Ciara shared a post on X: “3 Million Raised Tonight!!! What a blessing to be a part of this magical night! Moments like this mean so much to @DangeRussWilson and I! #VictoryOverCancer #WhyNotYou.” The V Foundation itself acknowledged their impact, posting: “Our board members @ciara and @DangeRussWilson are bringing the impact at the V Foundation for Cancer Research Sonoma Epicurean!”

The event wasn’t just about raising money—it was about making a difference. In an introductory video for the V Foundation, Ciara summed it up perfectly: “We are all gonna be impacting lives together, we’re gonna be saving lives together which is obviously a very beautiful and very powerful thing.”

The event was attended by many cancer survivors. Among them was Leslie Sbrocco, award-winning television host and 2024 V Foundation Sonoma Epicurean Honoree. She shared her own story, “Joining the V Foundation for this remarkable event has been a special way to share my own story as a colorectal cancer thriver and to support an organization that is changing the future of cancer research. Each day brought a new opportunity to connect with others who are equally passionate about this cause, all in a spectacular region of Wine Country.”

But getting back to Wilson and Ciara’s contribution to the cause. The couple is proving that they are not just here for the headlines but to create awareness by collaborating with the V Foundation through their Why Not You Foundation. Wilson’s own Why Not You Foundation was founded in 2014 with the same goal in mind: to empower young people via health, leadership, and education programs. A key part of this effort includes its ongoing collaboration with the V Foundation to accelerate cancer research and provide direct support to young patients battling the disease.

However, their battle doesn’t end here, as Wilson’s leadership as the Giants’ new QB is now spreading to a far wider audience, and he’s using that position to raise even more awareness.

Giants QB Russell Wilson sounds the alarm on a deadly disease

Russell Wilson’s arrival in New York as the Giants’ new quarterback came with more than just football expectations. Signing a one-year, $10.5 million contract, Wilson made it clear that he’s here to lead both on and off the field. And he wasted no time proving it—just days after his signing, he took center stage at a $3 million fundraiser, using his platform to spotlight the fight against cancer and the critical need for research funding.

Wilson’s passion for cancer research isn’t just about charity—it’s personal. Over the years, he has been an active visitor to children’s hospitals, spending time with pediatric cancer patients and their families. In numerous interviews, Wilson has spoken about how meeting these kids has changed his perspective and deepened his commitment to the cause. Seeing their resilience and determination fuels his drive to keep fighting for better treatments and more funding.

Beyond the emotional impact, Russell Wilson understands the shocking reality of pediatric cancer—according to the American Cancer Society, over 9,000 children are diagnosed with cancer in the U.S. each year, and despite advances in medicine, cancer remains the leading cause of death by disease among children. These numbers drive home the urgency of ongoing research and support.

And in the introductory video for the V Foundation, Wilson emphasized the importance of community support in the fight against cancer: “When you see the difference that fundraising and doing events like this with the foundation and seeing young kids like ‘Thank you for helping me.’ Then also seeing that there is no more cancer, how could you not?”

Russell Wilson’s advocacy extends beyond fundraising—he’s actively involved in spreading awareness and encouraging others to contribute to the cause. With cancer affecting millions of lives every year, his role as a voice for change is more crucial than ever.

One thing is evident: Wilson isn’t just about winning games; his actions are also impacting people who are battling cancer. The duo, Wilson and Ciara, are using their voices and platform to ensure that they make a difference in people’s lives. Because at the end of the day, some battles are just bigger than football.

And as Ciara would say — “If you came to put up the fight tonight, say oh yeah!”