A $15 Million Finish
Dolphins Cancer Challenge XV raised a record amount for innovative cancer research at Sylvester.
The Miami Dolphins announced that the Dolphins Cancer Challenge (DCC), its year-round initiative in support of innovative cancer research at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, raised a record-breaking $15 million at its 15th annual fundraiser on February 22. The signature event, which features bike rides and a run/walk, supports research at South Florida’s only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center.
“We’re proud of our community’s incredible support in the fight against cancer,” said Javier Sanchez, executive director of Dolphins Cancer Challenge. “With consecutive record-breaking years in fundraising and participation, this $15 million milestone is a powerful testament to the impact we can make when we come together to support a cause here in South Florida.”
DCC XV shattered the participation record, with nearly 7,400 supporters united for the cause cycling, walking or running to raise $15 million. This surpassed last year’s record of $12 million and puts the DCC on track to reach the $100 million fundraising benchmark in 2026.
Crystal Clear Vision
The $15 million fundraising milestone coincided with DCC’s 15th anniversary. This is significant because, traditionally, a 15th anniversary is referred to as the crystal anniversary, symbolizing the clarity and durability of the relationship. That certainly holds true for the longstanding partnership between the Miami Dolphins and Sylvester.
Sylvester Director Stephen D. Nimer, M.D., praised the partnership, calling the Dolphins the perfect teammates who share a vision of a world without cancer.
“The Dolphins organization’s relentless drive and unwavering support for cancer research over the past 15 years has been truly extraordinary,” 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. “The funds raised each year at DCC allow Sylvester to recruit and retain the world’s best minds in cancer research and provide them with the resources needed to make innovative discoveries and establish life-saving treatments that provide better outcomes for patients.”
Community Support
The generous support of the South Florida community makes this critical scientific progress possible.
The inaugural DCC event, which took place in 2010, involved 411 cyclists who collected $533,106 for cancer research. It has grown substantially over the years and is now the largest fundraising event in the National Football League (NFL). An impressive 7,398-plus survivors, supporters, community and business leaders and University of Miami team members walked, ran or cycled in DCC XV, raising 30 times the initial amount.
One hundred percent of the DCC’s participant-raised funds support Sylvester’s efforts to advance cancer care through breakthrough science, leading-edge technology and personalized patient care. Registration for DCC XVI opens in August. DCC XVI will take place on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium’s Miami International Autodrome.
Tags: cancer research, DCC, dolphins cancer challenge, Dr. Stephen D. Nimer, Javier Sanchez, philanthropy, Sylverster Comprehensive Cancer Center