Shoes for a Cure Miami Makes Strides for Breast Cancer Research
Fashion and philanthropy unite in a four-day charitable event to support Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Through Shoes for a Cure Miami, philanthropists and fashion enthusiasts shopped and dined to show their support for breast cancer research at the Braman Family Breast Cancer Institute at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, a part of UHealth — University of Miami Health System.
Shoes for a Cure Miami is the first expansion of Shoes for a Cure, the fashion and footwear industry’s foremost fundraiser, which began in New York City in 1994 and has raised more than $65 million for vital breast cancer research and treatment. Shoes for a Cure partners with renowned cancer centers around the country and broadened its reach to include Sylvester, the only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center in South Florida and one of the top 50 cancer centers in the nation as ranked by U.S. News & World Report.
Partnering for a Breast Cancer Cure
“It’s an honor to have been selected as a partner by the Fashion Footwear Charitable Foundation, a recognition that reflects the excellence of our research and acknowledges the impact it is having on our community,” said Sylvester Director Stephen D. Nimer, M.D., professor of medicine, biochemistry and molecular biology, the Oscar de la Renta Endowed Chair in Cancer Research and executive dean for research at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. “With the opening of the new Kenneth C. Griffin Cancer Research Building this year, our commitment to advancing translational medicine has never been stronger. Philanthropic support from Shoes for the Cure Miami will further empower our world-class researchers and physician-scientists to accelerate the rate of discoveries that can improve and save lives.”
Fashion Footwear Charitable Foundation President and Chair Sandi Mines also spoke of the power of this partnership.
“Miami was a natural fit for a Shoes for a Cure expansion,” said Mines, who is also president of the Fashion Footwear Association of New York and vice president of corporate engagement at Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America. “The community warmly embraced us, and their philanthropic support has been phenomenal. Additionally, Dr. Nimer’s and his team’s engagement have been tremendous. We look forward to seeing this partnership continue to grow with a shared mission to improve lives and cure breast cancer.”
Purchase with a Purpose
Now in its second year, Shoes for a Cure Miami featured a four-day shopping event in the Miami Design District. More than 20 international luxury brands, including Tom Ford, Valentino and Ferragamo, hosted elevated shopping experiences and unique activations to support breast cancer research and women’s health.
The multi-day event kicked off with an exclusive, invite-only dinner held at the iconic Mother Wolf Miami. Guests mingled with Sylvester’s leading physician-scientists, who have dedicated their careers to conducting groundbreaking research in pursuit of life-changing treatments and more promising outcomes.
Director of Breast Surgical Oncology Susan Kesmodel, M.D., associate professor in the DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery at the Miller School, addressed attendees, thanking them for their generosity and sharing how their philanthropic support will advance science and improve patient care.
“Funds raised through Shoes for a Cure will help support the multidisciplinary breast cancer program at Sylvester, including early detection and treatment, surveillance of high-risk patients, clinical trials that provide access to novel therapies and life-long support of breast cancer survivors,” said Dr. Kesmodel, who is also co-leader of the Breast Site Disease Group at Sylvester.
Support for the Shoes for a Cure Miami fundraiser was organized by an extraordinary group of individuals known for their impeccable style and profound philanthropic commitment. The host committee included Jayne Sylvester Malfitano, Kinga Lampert and Craig Robins from the Sylvester Board of Governors and other prominent members of the South Florida and fashion communities.
Tags: breast cancer, cancer research, Dr. Rumela Chakrabarti, Dr. Stephen Nimer, Dr. Susan Kesmodel, philanthropy, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center