Serena Williams Announces V Foundation and DCC’s Commitment to Sylvester Cancer Research
A groundbreaking, $30 million investment announced at this year’s ESPY Awards will advance research at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, South Florida’s only NCI-designated cancer center.
In a landmark announcement at the 2024 ESPY Awards, the V Foundation for Cancer Research revealed a significant expansion of its partnership with the Dolphins Cancer Challenge (DCC). This historic collaboration, amounting to a 10-year, $30 million investment, is set to drive pioneering cancer research at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. The announcement was made July 11 by tennis legend and philanthropist Serena Williams.
Focus on Cancer Disparities
This partnership marks the largest fundraising effort in the V Foundation’s history, focusing on the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund. The fund aims to address cancer disparities, with an emphasis on communities that lack access to quality health care. The research will not only investigate how these disparities influence outcomes but also extend its impact beyond South Florida, benefiting cancer treatment nationwide.
“Cancer disparities are among the most significant health challenges we face in the United States,” said Shane Jacobson, CEO of the V Foundation. “We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with Dolphins Cancer Challenge to accelerate the pace of cancer research at Sylvester through the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund. This is a unique opportunity, and we are confident that this initiative will have a long-lasting impact on this mission.”
Since 2015, the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund has awarded nearly $16 million to 54 researchers from top cancer research centers across North America. This continued partnership aims to build on that success, fostering groundbreaking research that tackles cancer disparities.
“The V Foundation has been a longstanding champion for cancer research,” said Javier Sanchez, executive director of Dolphins Cancer Challenge. “We’re honored to join forces to support the lifesaving research that is being conducted at Sylvester. The Miami Dolphins and DCC have deep roots within our local community, and we believe it is critically important that we invest in this research, as it is fundamental to best serving the South Florida community and beyond.”
The DCC, entering its 15th year, is the NFL’s largest fundraiser, and features cycling, running and walking. Since its inception in 2010, DCC has raised more than $75 million to support cancer research at Sylvester and is gearing up to expand this amount with the upcoming DCC XV, scheduled for February 22, 2025.
Commitment to Health Equity
The V Foundation is known for awarding competitive grants to researchers at all career stages, from early-career scientists with fresh ideas to established researchers with promising projects. This initiative aims to further accelerate the mission of achieving Victory Over Cancer® and saving lives.
“This generous, multiyear financial commitment to Sylvester’s cutting-edge research by the V Foundation and the Dolphins offers great promise to the incredibly diverse community of South Florida and beyond,” said Stephen D. Nimer, M.D., director of Sylvester, Oscar de la Renta Endowed Chair in Cancer Research and executive dean for research at the Miller School. “Our growing team of over 1,000 physicians and scientists is making breakthroughs in cancer prevention, research and care every day. These invaluable partnerships fuel the next discoveries that can save lives.”
Advancing Breakthrough Cancer Research at Sylvester
The V Foundation and DCC’s generous support will advance research at Sylvester. Awards have been designated to key research efforts including those led by:
• Jay Spiegel, M.D., cancer hematologist and transplant and cellular therapy physician in the Division of Transplant and Cellular Therapy at Sylvester
• Maria Abreu, M.D., director of the Crohn’s & Colitis Center and professor of medicine, microbiology and immunology at the Miller School
• Peter Hosein, M.D., associate director of clinical research at Sylvester Pancreatic Cancer Research Institute
• Jashodeep Datta, M.D., assistant professor of surgical oncology and DiMare Family Endowed Chair in Immunotherapy at the Miller School
• Alejandro Villarino, Ph.D., assistant professor of microbiology and immunology at the Miller School
An ongoing clinical trial led by Dr. Spiegel received a $200,000, two-year grant from the V Foundation. He is tackling aggressive B-cell lymphoma by blending CAR T immunotherapy with two promising new drugs, mosunetuzumab and polatuzumab. This approach aims to increase the chances of better patient outcomes compared to the three interventions used separately.
Dr. Abreu received a V Foundation grant to advance her innovative work on colorectal cancer, a leading cause of death among Americans under 50, with traditional screening failing to address younger patients.
Drs. Hosein and Datta are tackling pancreatic cancer, a particularly lethal type of cancer poorly responsive to immunotherapy. With a new $660,000 grant from the V Foundation, they aim to find ways to increase the susceptibility of pancreatic tumors to immunotherapy drugs. This research is critical, as only about 13% of people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the U.S. survive for five years.
After 20 years of studying infectious and autoimmune diseases, Dr. Villarino shifted his focus to oncology research. His achievements have been recognized by a $200,000 grant from the V Foundation for his proposed comprehensive molecular and therapeutic assessment of STAT3-driven T-cell malignancies.
The partnership between the V Foundation, DCC and Sylvester signifies a big step forward for cancer research, with the potential to create lasting impacts on cancer treatment and health equity nationwide.
Tags: cancer research, DCC, Dr. Alejandro Villarino, Dr. Jashodeep Datta, Dr. Jay Spiegel, Dr. Maria Abreu, Dr. Peter Hosein, philanthropy, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, V Foundation for Cancer Research