Castaways Against Cancer’s Silver Anniversary Fundraising Effort Supports Sylvester
Cancer Epigenetics Program co-leaders receive research grants to pursue new, more effective cancer treatment options.
It has been 25 years since four self-proclaimed “sea hippies” kayaked from Miami to Key West to raise money and awareness about cancer. Today, with a committed team of paddlers, runners and cyclists, along with hundreds of supportive landlubbers, Castaways Against Cancer has grown into a formidable fundraising force, having raised more than $2.7 million to date for cancer research.
The Castaways’ efforts escalated since entering a five-year, $1.5 million pledge to support innovative research at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, a part of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and South Florida’s only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center.
“There’s been a noticeable increase in donations since we started supporting Sylvester,” said Castaways Against Cancer Captain Eric Pino, who started as a paddler in 2010 and took over the reins as captain four years ago. “I know it makes a huge difference with the Castaways that the money we raise stays within the community. Everyone loves touring the labs and seeing exactly what we’re funding and how it’s helping advance cancer research toward finding a cure.”
Silver Anniversary Celebration
Castaways’ leadership and volunteers had the unique opportunity to hear firsthand about the work their fundraising efforts are supporting among Sylvester scientists during a check presentation and reception marking the Castaways’ silver anniversary.
In celebration of this milestone, the 2024 fundraising event, which launched in June, was named “Here Comes the Sun Tour: Silver Lining of Hope” to reflect the positivity this group embodies as participants embark on the epic journey. Kayakers paddled 160 miles over seven days, runners relayed 170 miles over two days and cyclists pedaled the same 170 miles in one grueling day to raise money and awareness and to honor those who have challenged cancer.
The celebratory reception was held at the home of Juan Carlos “J.C.” Mas, chair of The Mas Group and longtime supporter of the Castaways. His son, Sebastian, is a paddler, which has allowed Mas to see firsthand the passion and determination of all involved.
“When you find a very humble, hard-working group of individuals who do this on a completely selfless basis, it’s absolutely inspiring,” said Mas. “Cancer is such a terrible disease that brings so much sadness, but the Castaways bring joy to the process of trying to defeat and conquer it. Truly every dollar raised is a dollar that goes to make a difference.”
Supporting Cancer Research
During the evening, David Lombard, M.D., Ph.D., and Ramin Shiekhattar, Ph.D., co-leaders of the Sylvester Cancer Epigenetics Program, shared details on how they would apply the $150,000 grants each received from the Castaways toward their pioneering research into epigenetics.
Dr. Lombard, Sylvester’s vice chair of clinical and translational research, focuses on developing new treatments and therapies for Ewing sarcoma, a cancer that develops in and around the bones of children and young adults. His lab is studying a protein called SIRT5, which most normal cells can do without. Ewing cells and a few other specific cancer types require it to survive. The belief is that deleting the gene for SIRT5 will cause the cancer cells to die. Dr. Lombard and his team are working toward generating potent and selective SIRT5 inhibitors as novel therapeutics for Ewing sarcoma.
Dr. Shiekhattar, Sylvester’s chief of the Division of Cancer Genomics and Epigenetics, concentrates on discovering how cancer cells form and grow and developing treatments for cancers that have developed resistance to drugs. With the financial support from Castaways, his lab is elucidating the epigenetics basis of cancer drug tolerance which leads to drug resistance, the major reason for recurrence in cancer.
The Perfect Partnership
Dr. Lombard also spoke about the importance and impact of the Castaways’ partnership and Sylvester’s excitement to continue the alliance. He likened the Castaways’ arduous journey to the difficult challenge scientists face in pursuit of cancer treatments and cures.
“Kayaking 160 miles is a Herculean undertaking and we look forward to matching your efforts in this fight for many years to come,” said Dr. Lombard.
Dr. Shiekhattar was equally impressed with the Castaways’ commitment and selfless devotion to supporting research at Sylvester.
“It was a great pleasure to meet the advocates for cancer research and learn about their background and their commitment to finding cures in our lifetime,” he said.
Sylvester Director Stephen D. Nimer, M.D., expressed his gratitude for the longstanding, generous support from Castaways Against Cancer, and the ongoing partnership that is making a difference for our community.
“Two of the research projects the Castaways have funded led to nearly $3 million in additional government grants for further research,” said Dr. Nimer, the Oscar de la Renta Endowed Chair in Cancer Research and executive dean of research at the Miller School. “This demonstrates the power of leveraged philanthropy and the crucial role organizations like Castaways Against Cancer play in advancing impactful initiatives.”
When asked about the vision for the Castaways’ next 25 years, Pino said they will continue their mission to fund cancer research so that people can live better, higher-quality lives.
“I think that’s an inspiring motivation and a tangible, attainable goal,” said Pino. “I know every time we fund the research taking place at Sylvester, we are one step closer, and we’re so proud of that.”
Tags: Castaways Against Cancer, Dr. David Lombard, Dr. Ramin Shiekhattar, Dr. Stephen Nimer, epigenetics, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center