Dick Vitale has braved through thick and thin. After three and a half years of surgeries, radiation treatments, and chemotherapy for four different types of cancer, he was back in the broadcasting seat at March Madness. He also joined Charles Barkley to call the rivalry game between the Indiana Hoosiers and the Kentucky Wildcats. Vitale runs a foundation that raises funds for pediatric cancer. Sadly, one of his ‘All-Courageous’ youngsters has passed away.

“My heart is breaking for Andraya & Peter Ticolo as their 7-year-old son LUCA passed away Dec 16 from Brain Cancer. Last year, we honored Luca as an  Dickie V All Courageous youngster. In pic, his Mom & Dad & @UConnMBB Coach @dhurley15, who stopped to share time before Gala.” Vitale wrote on X.

Vitale also posted some heartwarming pictures of the child with Hurley and his parents. 

Vitale revealed that Luca had DIPG brain cancer, along with more pictures, while writing, “May LUCA RIP!”

DIPG stands for “diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma.” It is a rare, fast-growing brain tumor that develops in a child’s brainstem and is considered incurable by the current standards. 

The Vitale Foundation would have given Luca every chance through its funding. Vitale pleaded with his audience to further donate to this cause and reiterated that his team has already raised $105 million in its lifetime.

“Please, I am so PROUD that my Gala team @MKenealyEvents has raised thus far $105 Million dollars for Pediatric Research. But obviously, nowhere is it enough. If YOU can, PLEASE DONATE at dickvitale.com,” Vitale wrote.

The V Foundation for Cancer Research is a top-rated cancer research charity, and ESPN Hall of Fame Sportscaster Dick Vitale has hosted the Dick Vitale Gala since 2005. In the 20th Gala this year, he revealed that $12.5 million had been raised for pediatric cancer research in just the past year. 

“Dick’s steadfast dedication to pediatric cancer research continues to drive real impact,” said Shane Jacobson, CEO of the V Foundation. “Thanks to Dick and his wife, Lorraine, we gather each year in Sarasota to raise critical funds that fuel game-changing research and accelerate Victory Over Cancer. His All-Courageous Team of childhood cancer thrivers embodies hope for the future.”

Vitale continues to raise awareness and work with his foundation. The veteran still hasn’t lost his spark in commentary as well.

Dick Vitale’s Commentary Powers His Foundation’s Mission

Dick Vitale’s ESPN contract has been extended till 2027-28, but he has scaled back on his traditional intensity. He has to talk less on game days and now works in three-person broadcasting crews, rather than two. However, the strength in his commentary and analysis remains the same, as it always was.

Vitale looks at being courtside as “like medicine, man.”

“I’ve been lucky,” Vitale said in an interview with The Associated Press in November. “I’m 86 years old. And to be going on TV and go on after four cancer battles, I’m pinching myself. I really do. I mean, I find it amazing to be honest with you.”

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When the broadcaster was back on air last week alongside Charles Barkley, a heartwarming incident took place.

The game produced many moments between the two, but as it came to an end, Barkley looked at Vitale and had a pure heart-to-heart.

“[One of the best] nights of my life,” he said. “I love you, man.”

“I love you too, brother,” Vitale responded, followed by kissing the NBA legend on the head.

In addition, Barkley shared that he will be donating $100,000 to Vitale’s The V Foundation for Cancer Research. He also revealed that Shaquille O’Neal would be donating $100,000. But he just had to throw a jab by calling O’Neal a “fat a–.” Raising money for his foundation remains Vitale’s “No. 1 obsession.”