A Gift That Keeps On Giving
Sylvester Board of Governors member Eric Feder and wife, Liz, donated a dynamic art installation for the Kenneth C. Griffin Cancer Research Building.
As both an avid cyclist and art enthusiast, Eric Feder was instantly captivated by “Forever,” the dazzling installation of gilded bicycles by renowned Chinese contemporary artist Ai Weiwei.
At first, it was the sheer beauty and craftsmanship that drew him in. But as he grew to understand the piece deeper, the bicycles began to symbolize a connection between two organizations he passionately supports: Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, and the Dolphins Cancer Challenge (DCC). Feder serves on the boards of both organizations and rides in the DCC, the Miami Dolphins’ signature fundraising event supporting innovative cancer research at Sylvester.
“When I learned how Sylvester planned to revolutionize cancer research and patient care with the Kenneth C. Griffin Cancer Research Building, I had an a-ha moment,” said Feder, explaining why he and his wife, Liz, chose to donate “Forever” to Sylvester. “I connected the dots between the artwork, and the fact that it is of bicycles, Sylvester and the DCC, and knew I had an opportunity to share something that I think is beautiful and inspiring in such an incredible facility.”
As a result of the Feders’ generous donation, “Forever” now serves as a welcoming beacon to all those entering the lobby of the Griffin Cancer Research Building, a new, 12-story, state-of-the-art facility located on the Miami campus of Sylvester and the region’s only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center. The installation hangs above the concierge desk and adjacent to a wall recognizing the DCC, which has raised more than $91 million for cancer research at Sylvester through its charitable cycling events and 5K run/walk.
Partners In Wellness
More than a nod to the special partnership between Sylvester and the DCC, the gleaming bicycles capture the spirit of the cancer center itself — embodying movement, inspiring strength and sustaining an unwavering commitment to health and wellness.
“This art installation is a fitting tribute to the DCC partnership and also symbolizes the strength of our lifestyle medicine program,” said Tracy Crane, Ph.D., RDN, co-leader of the Cancer Control Program and director of lifestyle medicine, prevention and digital health at Sylvester. “We have strong evidence to support that a healthy diet and physical activity play a key role in survivorship and the reduction of new and/or recurrent cancer, improvement in quality of life and lessening of long-term symptoms.”
As a nationally recognized leader in evidence-based lifestyle medicine programs, Sylvester, ranked among the nation’s top 50 cancer centers for cancer care, is committed to rapidly moving advances in lifestyle medicine into clinical practice.
To encourage healthy lifestyle behaviors including diet and physical activity, Dr. Crane and her colleagues developed Believe in You, a wellness program for survivors of cancer and a support person. Originally launched as an 18-week training program to help survivors prepare for the DCC, Believe in You has evolved into a larger initiative aimed at promoting healthy, attainable fitness goals year-round.
Art Is Medicine
Beyond physical exercise, lifestyle medicine promotes stress management as a means of preventing and treating chronic diseases, including cancer. And art, whether viewing or creating, is a proven stress reducer.
“This is the foundation of Art is Medicine—Sylvester’s multi-faceted commitment to lifestyle medicine and the positive influence of art in cancer survivorship,” said Desert Horse-Grant, Sylvester’s chief transformation officer. “Every detail of the Griffin Cancer Research Building was designed to create a sense of harmony, well-being and connection to nature to optimize the patient experience. This extends to the art on the walls. Our featured pieces were curated to deliver a message of hope, health, compassion and confidence to our patients.”
Art is Medicine is a campus-wide initiative for Sylvester. The signature program features a rotating gallery of nature-inspired photography as well as a collection of artwork – paintings, photography, sketches and more – created and shared by patients, families, staff and the broader community to foster healing, connection and hope during treatment.
Expression of Gratitude
“We are so grateful to Eric and Liz for having the vision to see the potential of this most generous gift,” said Sylvester Director Stephen D. Nimer, M.D., the Oscar de la Renta Endowed Chair in Cancer Research and executive dean for research at the Miller School. “It serves as a symbol of light and hope, which is exactly what the Griffin Cancer Research Building represents. As part of our relentless pursuit of cancer cures, this premier cancer research facility will bring more hope to patients in South Florida and beyond.”
Feder’s appreciation for all that Sylvester does stems not just from his role as one of the Board of Governors but as a patient as well. Having been treated for kidney cancer, the donation of “Forever” was truly a gift from the heart.
“This art installation has the potential to positively impact so many people, both patients and Sylvester’s incredible physicians and scientists,” said Feder. “It’s amazing to see first-hand the trajectory and growth since receiving the NCI designation, and the groundbreaking discoveries that will transpire within the new Griffin Cancer Research Building will certainly build upon that. I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of this future.”
Get Involved
There are numerous ways to philanthropically support the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. For more information on donating notable works of art, please contact Desert Horse-Grant.
Tags: cancer, philanthropy, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center