A Mother’s Mission to Fuel Childhood Cancer Research
An empathetic entrepreneur’s gift to Director’s Innovation Fund supports childhood and AYA cancer research at Sylvester.
Sharon Lior lived the unthinkable — the loss of her daughter and only child. For 14 years, she stood by her daughter’s side through countless surgeries and months-long hospital stays related to her illness. The Miami business owner and philanthropist says the pain she felt seeing her daughter suffer was unimaginable and something she never wants another family to experience.
That desire sparked Lior to make a $500,000 gift to support the Director’s Innovation Fund for childhood and adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer research at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, a part of UHealth – University of Miami Health System.
“I do not think children should suffer, it’s as simple as that,” Lior said. “The Director’s Innovation Fund says it all — we need innovation. I’m putting my support behind Sylvester researchers to come up with discoveries that will find cures and make treatment less harsh on young patients.”
A Commitment to Hope
Lior’s commitment to developing cures and delivering hope aligns with The Childhood Cancer Project’s mission. The South Florida-based charitable organization was started by a friend of Lior’s daughter, whose son had been diagnosed with a rare type of childhood cancer. Lior has served on the Board of Directors for many years, and through that experience has seen firsthand the impact philanthropy has had on Sylvester in attracting the world’s best scientists to conduct innovative research leading to life-saving treatments. Sylvester is the region’s only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center and recognized among the top 50 cancer centers in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
“There’s nothing more important to Sharon than family,” said Caryn Lubetsky, a founding board member of The Childhood Cancer Project and close family friend.
I think childhood cancer speaks to her in a different way because it doesn’t just fracture a body, it fractures the entire family. Sharon sees how the critical research being conducted at Sylvester has the power to help families, and that’s why she generously supports it.
– Caryn Lubetsky
Support for New Cancer Treatments and Cures
Lior says having lost a child to a serious illness makes her empathize with the families of children and young adults facing a cancer diagnosis. She hopes that by allowing Sylvester Director Stephen D. Nimer, M.D., to direct her philanthropic gift to where he sees the greatest potential, researchers will move closer to discovering new treatments and potential cures.
“This extraordinary gift — rooted in a mother’s profound loss — is a powerful expression of love, resilience, and hope. Sharon’s generosity will directly fund bold scientific ideas that have the potential to redefine how we detect, treat and ultimately cure childhood cancers,” said Dr. Nimer, who is also the Oscar de la Renta Endowed Chair in Cancer Research and executive dean for research at the Miller School. “At Sylvester, this kind of philanthropic investment accelerates discoveries that can save lives and honors her daughter’s legacy in the most impactful way possible.”