Almost 40% of people will be diagnosed with cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Almost 40% of people will be diagnosed with cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute, a statistic that highlights the importance of research efforts aimed at improving treatments and finding cures. In Napa Valley on Saturday night, the V Foundation recognized both scientists advancing cancer research and patients whose lives have been affected by the disease with the V Foundation Wine Celebration. ABC7's Dryden Quigley has the story. #jimmyv #cancer #winecelebration #napa #abc7news Harper Harold was just 8 years old. Her family received news that no one wants. Hearing that your child has cancer is like a nightmare, right? It's your worst fears confirmed. She was diagnosed with leukemia and faced a two and a half year treatment plan. I remember it just being a blur, really. It was such a scary time. But her mom says she never let that dim her smile. Immediately thinking of what she could do to help others and raising more than $27,000 for the V Foundation. All while beating cancer herself. We've really been able to find our purpose through this journey and it makes me just extremely proud of her. The history of the V Foundation dates back long before Harper was ever born. It all started in 1993 when Jim Valvano gave that iconic speech at the ESPY Awards. Don't give up. Don't ever give up. It's these words that Jay Bilas thinks of when surveying on the foundation's board. Every year that speech is replayed and there's always new audiences for it and they're always moved the same way. 33 years ago by his speech. The V Foundation gives young scientists grants to fund research that otherwise would not be possible. You need two things to be successful in science. You need a great idea and you need money to execute that great idea. Valvano said that the research couldn't save him. But he hoped it would save the next generation. And today, it's doing just that. It was hard. Very, very hard. But I mean, if it didn't happen, we wouldn't be here being able to speak for the kids who can't be here and who need the research. In Napa Valley, Dryden Quigley, ABC7 Eyewitness News. You can learn more about the V Foundation, including how you can donate to help in the fight against cancer. The website is really easy to remember. Just go to v.org. It's super easy to remember and a super easy way to get involved and help folks out.