DANVILLE, Va. — Averett University's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) helped raise more than $1,500 during Sunday's basketball doubleheader as part of the second annual "Caring For Carrie" event to benefit The V Foundation and cancer research.

Jamie Valvano, the daughter of legendary N.C. State University men's basketball coach Jim Valvano, was the guest speaker for the event. Valvano recalled her father's vision and mission to help find a cure for cancer. While a cure hasn't been found yet, advances in treatment and technology helped Jamie Valvano with her own battle with cancer 13 years after her father's. And her father's mission has helped countless others.

"Because of my dad's vision and because he had the courage to use his voice and invite everyone to be on his team, The V Foundation has awarded over $150 million to cancer facilities across the country," Jamie Valvano said on Sunday before a large crowd dressed in teal at the Grant Center. "And we've only just begun."

Valvano became friends with Carrie Hendrick, Averett's director of its athletic training education program, when the two met at the Raleigh Rock 'n' Roll Marathon. Hendrick was participating in the race despite battling ovarian cancer at the time. Last year, Averett hosted its first "Caring For Carrie" event to raise money and awareness. This year, Averett set a goal to raise $900 on Sunday. It was surpassed. As of Sunday night, Averett SAAC had raised $1,514.50 through taking pledges and donations at the game, as well as selling teal T-shirts. That total is expected to grow with a second T-Shirt order and teal bracelets that will be sold in the coming weeks.

Valvano said she was happy to be a part of Sunday's "Caring for Carrie" event.

"I'm so honored to be here to celebrate Carrie being so strong and being a warrior," Valvano said.

Watch Valvano's speech at "Caring For Carrie" by clicking here.