“She used to say, ‘Richie, never, ever, ever believe in can't.  Don't allow it to be part of your life.’”

-Dick Vitale, on some of his mother’s favorite sayings.

Tampa Bay area resident, longtime ESPN Sports Analyst, former coach and OG Hype Man Dick Vitale would like Tom Brady to give him a call.

He has a welcome basket…like the ones you pass in church.

If you are looking for a place for do-gooding in town, Vitale and his fight for pediatric cancer funding are available for the reception of funds.

But only if people can really afford to give.

It’s been a tough year fighting to keep fundraising going during a pandemic.

Vitale won’t complain about working from his virtual studio at home this past year - away from the basketball arenas and his co-workers.

He’s been safe, while others have suffered the loss of loved ones, loss of jobs and even homes.

“So I'm not in an arena. Wow. That is really tough,” Vitale said with sarcasm. “That's nothing compared to what people had to face.”

Last’s year big fundraising gala was a virtual success.

This year’ scaled down in-person gala is approaching on Friday, May 7.

And Vitale’s office is filled with copies of stories of children in cancer battles—these are kids he meets in town and gets to know.

He has a handout of multiple children –all with smiling faces—all passed on.

He spoke at some of the funerals.

Vitale uses his notoriety to raise money for pediatric cancer.

And he regales with stories of the people who come through for him in big and small ways --that keeps him motivated.

He also gets his optimism from his mother.

He says she never let him feel sorry for himself, even after he lost an eye as a child.

“’So Ritchie--big deal you got one eye. Big deal. You could do what anybody else does,’” he said recounting his favorite conversations with her.

He leans on her words and those of his friend, legendary coach Jim Valvano.

Vitale raises money for the V foundation- a charity ESPN started in honor of Valvano.

He made a rousing speech for cancer research, shortly before succumbing to the disease in 1993.

“Never give up. Never ever give up,” Valvano told the audience this was the motto of the new foundation, adding near the end, “Cancer can take away all my physical abilities. It cannot touch my mind. It cannot touch my heart,” Valvano said, “It cannot touch my soul.”