"We need your help. I need your help. We need money for research. It may not save my life. It may save my children's life. It may save someone you love. And it's very important"

In this effective quote by Jim Valvano, the famous basketball coach and charismatic speaker, several layers of meaning can be unpacked, each showing the urgency and value of the message he sought to communicate. At its core, the quote is a genuine plea for support and partnership in the battle against cancer, a cause that Valvano promoted during his life, particularly after his own diagnosis.

The opening statements, "We require your assistance. I require your assistance," work as a cumulative and personal call to action. By first using "we," Valvano stresses the communal element of the battle against cancer, highlighting that this difficulty is not one faced in seclusion but rather as a society. Transitioning to "I," he personalizes the plea, making it clear that the need is immediate and deeply individual.

Valvano underscores the significance of financing for research with the expression, "We need money for research." Here, he acknowledges that scientific progress and breakthroughs are often contingent upon the availability of resources. The subsequent lines, "It might not conserve my life. It may save my kids's life. It may save somebody you like," delve into the selfless and forward-thinking element of the appeal. Valvano openly confesses that the research might not benefit him personally, which underscores a generous perspective. Rather, the possible recipients reach future generations and indirectly to the listener's own loved ones, making the appeal generally pertinent and deeply human.

Lastly, Valvano concludes with, "And it's very essential," reinforcing the urgency and significance of the research study. This succinct, emphatic statement serves as a tip that the fight against cancer is an important priority that transcends individual concerns, urging everyone to support improvements that could change the future.

Through this quote, Jim Valvano successfully communicated a message of hope, unity, and the unrelenting pursuit of progress, capturing the essence of his tradition both on and off the basketball court.