Cancer Link Celebrates Nearly 40 Years of Support for Breast Cancer Research
At its Celebrations in Pink luncheon, Cancer Link honored founder Marlene Berg, highlighted a supportive community built around families affected by breast cancer and celebrated nearly four decades of support for Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.
From birthdays to breakthroughs, there was plenty to celebrate at Cancer Link’s Celebrations in Pink luncheon. The event, marked by a 90th birthday celebration for Cancer Link founder Marlene Berg, also acknowledged the organization’s longstanding partnership with Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, a part of UHealth—University of Miami Health System.
Cancer Link formed nearly 40 years ago when a group of women, led by Berg, saw a need to bring awareness to breast cancer after losing a dear friend to the disease. With a mission to ensure funding for breast cancer research, education, early detection and community outreach programs, Cancer Link has worked tirelessly, raising more than $4.5 million for Sylvester, the region’s only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center and the No. 1 cancer program in Florida as recognized by U.S. News & World Report.
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Over the years, Cancer Link has grown substantially in membership as more families are personally touched by breast cancer. This includes Berg’s daughter, Cheryl Ettelman, who is a 20-year cancer survivor.
“It’s been very close to my heart, and the heart of my family, to keep this legacy going,” said Ettelman, a Cancer Link past president and member of the event committee. “This year’s fundraising luncheon theme is celebration. For me, it’s celebrating survivorship, but for someone else it could be finishing their first chemo treatment or the five- or 10-year anniversary of their diagnosis.”
Through Cancer Link’s longstanding support, Sylvester researchers are advancing discoveries that improve our understanding of breast cancer and help translate promising scientific findings into new approaches for prevention, early detection and treatment. Faith in this endeavor is what keeps members like Joseph “Joe” Mara involved.
What Cancer Link’s Support Means to Families
Mara’s late wife, Christine, joined Cancer Link in 2005, shortly after the couple moved to South Florida. For years, they supported its fundraising efforts, but Mara says a true appreciation for the work Cancer Link does came in 2009 after Christine was diagnosed with breast cancer. They went from supporting Cancer Link to receiving its support.
“We came looking for medicine. What we found was a community,” said Mara, noting that through Cancer Link and Sylvester they found a team of doctors, nurses, technicians, researchers, hospice professionals and friends who supported them every step of the way throughout Christine’s five-year journey.
He added, “Let’s celebrate the extraordinary family that surrounds families facing breast cancer. Let’s celebrate the researchers working so that tomorrow’s patients have possibilities that didn’t exist yesterday. And let’s celebrate the remarkable human capacity to find hope, purpose, joy and new beginnings, even after life changes in ways we never imagined.”
How Fundraising Supports Breast Cancer Research
Guests also learned how their fundraising efforts are fueling scientific research. In accepting a ceremonial check of money raised from last year’s luncheon and golf tournament, Sylvester Director Stephen D. Nimer, M.D., introduced 2026 Cancer Link grant recipient, Rumela Chakrabarti, Ph.D., co-director of the Surgical Breast Cancer Research Group and associate professor in the DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery at the Miller School.
Dr. Chakrabarti’s research focuses on improving treatment outcomes for patients with triple-negative breast cancer, one of the most aggressive forms of the disease. Her work includes the OPTIME initiative (Optimizing the Tumor Immune Microenvironment in Tripe Negative Breast Cancer), which seeks to translate laboratory discoveries into new therapeutic strategies that could improve treatment responses and ultimately benefit patients.
“It is an honor to celebrate the extraordinary partnership between Cancer Link and Sylvester. For nearly 40 years, Cancer Link’s generosity has helped support the research that drives scientific discoveries and brings us closer to better treatments and outcomes for patients with breast cancer,” said Dr. Nimer, the Oscar de La Renta Endowed Chair in Cancer Research and executive dean for research at the Miller School. “Cancer Link has served as a link between the South Florida community and Sylvester. It’s a testament to the vision and determination of all of you, your leadership, and especially Marlene Berg, who recognized a need to promote breast cancer research and awareness and has worked tirelessly toward that end.”
Honoring Marlene Berg’s Lifetime of Service
Through a videotaped address, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava also recognized both the impact Cancer Link has had on the region and Berg for her lifetime of service and dedication. Commissioner Micky Steinberg then presented Berg with a proclamation on behalf of the county. A giant birthday cake from which dancers popped out was also wheeled onstage, followed by a parade of cakes with sparklers were delivered to each table.
Norma Jean Abraham, who organized the silent auction and was instrumental in arranging the proclamation, said Berg truly deserved the recognition.
“Marlene is always doing for others,” said Abraham, whose mother was friends with Berg since they were young adults and was an early member of Cancer Link. “She has dedicated her entire life to charity, and on this milestone birthday we felt it was time to celebrate her and all she does.”
The luncheon, hosted by reporter Janine Stanwood, featured a fashion show by Miami-based designer Julian Chang, a silent auction and raffle. Other entertainment included stilt walkers dressed as glittery disco balls and pink mirrored flamingos. The festivities concluded with bouquet and candy stations.
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Tags: breast cancer, Cancer Link, cancer research, Dr. Rumela Chakrabarti, Dr. Stephen Nimer, fundraising, philanthropy, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, triple-negative breast cancer