Dolphins Cancer Challenge XVI Surpasses $100 Million for Sylvester, Uniting Community in Fight Against Cancer
Community‑powered event marks a historic fundraising milestone for Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, fueling breakthrough research, patient care and hope for cancer survivors.
The Dolphins Cancer Challenge surpassed a historic milestone Feb. 28. During this year’s event, which again offered 13-, 39-, 54- and 99-mile biking options and a 5K run/walk, the DCC surpassed $100 million raised for Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, since its inception in 2010.
The annual event at Hard Rock Stadium marked the culmination of a yearlong fundraising effort powered by thousands of survivors, supporters and community leaders united in the fight against cancer.
“Our partnership with the Miami Dolphins and the DCC has made a tremendous impact for cancer survivors,” said Stephen D. Nimer, M.D., director of Sylvester, the Oscar de La Renta Endowed Chair in Cancer Research, executive dean for research and professor of medicine, biochemistry and molecular biology at the Miller School. “Every year, the DCC reminds us of the power our community wields when it works together to support the innovative and lifesaving work of the dedicated doctors and researchers at Sylvester. Together, we’re providing hope for cancer survivors, in South Florida and throughout the world.”
One Team, One Fight for Cancer Research
Now in its 16th year, DCC XVI brought together survivors, supporters, community and business leaders, University of Miami students and faculty and first-time participants united by one cause: advancing cancer research at Sylvester. Of the 8,600 participants, 3,800 were first-timers, and more than 500 were part of the Living Proof program, representing cancer survivors.
One hundred percent of participant-raised funds support Sylvester, South Florida’s only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center, fueling breakthrough science, leading-edge technology and personalized patient care.
“We are incredibly grateful for the heart and generosity this community continues to show in the fight against cancer,” said Javier Sanchez, executive director of Dolphins Cancer Challenge. “Seeing so many people come together, each with their own reason for riding, running, walking or volunteering, is truly moving. This event shows how, when our community unites, we create real hope for patients and families. We’re honored to partner with Sylvester and help advance lifesaving cancer research and patient care across South Florida and beyond.”
Cyclists rode the 13-, 39-, 54- and 99-mile routes in honor of Dolphins legends Dan Marino, Larry Csonka, Zach Thomas and Jason Taylor. But beyond the miles completed, the event stood as a powerful expression of resilience, from survivors ringing the Living Proof bell to families walking in memory of loved ones to the Believe in You program participants, cancer survivors and caregivers who trained for 20 weeks in a lifestyle medicine program at Sylvester to walk the DCC 5K.
“This milestone achievement belongs to our entire community of cancer fighters,” said Tom Garfinkel, vice chairman, president and CEO of the Miami Dolphins. “Surpassing $100 million is a demonstration of the power of people coming together around a shared mission to fight cancer. It would not have been possible without the support of Stephen Ross, the dedication of our partners, especially Stuart Miller and the Lennar Foundation, the University of Miami, the generosity of our community and the tireless and life-saving work being done by Dr. Stephen Nimer and the entire Sylvester team. We are grateful to be able to champion a cause that is impacting so many people in such a profound way. Surpassing $100 million at DCC XVI is remarkable and with the momentum we’ve built, I’m confident that we can pass $200 million total at DCC XX in 2030.”
A Deeply Personal Mission
Elizabeth Stanislawski, who underwent a bilateral mastectomy in 2022 and is now in remission, celebrated by ringing the Living Proof bell after completing the 5K. Her cancer was discovered during her first mammogram. Her sister died in July 2025 from stage 4 glioblastoma, and her father died of colon cancer several years earlier.
“DCC is on a magnitude that nobody knows how many people it impacts. The objective is to continue raising money for research until we find an answer. I took action because I knew about my dad and my sister. Education is very important,” she said.
Eloy Ricardo, chief of North Collier Fire Control and Rescue, participated alongside coworkers and family members, including his wife, son and grandchildren in a double stroller. Firefighters from the district walked, ran and cycled in solidarity, many supporting colleagues now battling cancer after years of exposure to hazardous environments.
Corporate and UM Engagement
This year also marked a new level of student engagement. University of Miami students collaborated directly with DCC, with Greek Week focused on fundraising for the event. At least 70 fraternity and sorority members ran in the 5K, and the sixth annual Cycle Sesh fundraiser partnered with Team Hurricanes to benefit DCC, raising $15,000.
“We decided to connect the dots between students and DCC,” said Hallie Sussner, Greek Week philanthropy chair and member of Delta Phi Epsilon. “I’m glad UM students are inclined to do this. It wasn’t a solo effort. Others took the information and shared it with their groups.”
Corporate partners reinforced that community effort. AutoNation associates built bicycles at their Fort Lauderdale headquarters to donate to pediatric cancer patients at Sylvester’s alex’s place during DCC XVI, a reminder that the fight extends beyond race day.
At this year’s DCC, Sylvester announced an endowed chair dedicated to pediatric cancer research, a long-term investment designed to accelerate discovery and expand treatment options for children.
“The goal is to identify why cancer happens, to make the cure unnecessary, to find a cure before symptoms develop, before a diagnosis is necessary,” Aditi Dhir, M.D., a Miller School associate professor of pediatric hematology and oncology and SebastianStrong Dolphins Cancer Challenge Endowed Chair in Pediatric Cancer Research, told participants from the stage. “Today we walk and we run. One day, we can prevent children’s cancer.”
Tags: cancer research, DCC, dolphins cancer challenge, Dr. Aditi Dhir, Dr. Stephen D. Nimer, glioblastoma research, Newsroom, philanthropy, Sylverster Comprehensive Cancer Center