A Winning Team: Sylvester, DCC, and Bahamas Hope Challenge Partnership Supports Cancer Care and Research

Dolphins Challenge Cancer (DCC) and the Bahamas Hope Challenge (BHC) have teamed up to support Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, a part of UHealth – University of Miami Health System. The unique partnership, between the two renowned fundraising events and the only nationally ranked, National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center in South Florida, promises to further advance cancer research while making Sylvester’s exceptional cancer care more accessible to patients in the Bahamas.

“We are excited about the prospects this partnership will bring,” said Sylvester Director Stephen D. Nimer, M.D., who is also the Oscar de la Renta Endowed Chair in Cancer Research and executive dean for research at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. “Due to our proximity, Sylvester has always had close ties with our neighbors in the Bahamas, not to mention the large Bahamian population living here in South Florida. We will now be able to ensure that more people have access to innovative, lifesaving treatments at Sylvester, and to further advance impactful research into cancers affecting people of Caribbean descent.”

Joining Forces

Since its inception in 2010, DCC, the fundraising initiative of the Miami Dolphins Foundation, has raised more than $53 million for Sylvester through its annual 5K run/walk and 15-, 35-, 55-, and 100-mile bicycle rides. Pledges fund the advancement of cancer care through breakthrough science, leading-edge technology, personalized patient care, and survivorship initiatives.

Similarly, the BHC, which began in 2006, raises money to fight cancer and increase survivorship in the Bahamas through a walk, run, and ride event, where participants can choose their own distance. Its mission is to build hope and resources to help Bahamians fight cancer, primarily through early detection and treatment assistance programs.

The two like-minded organizations have joined forces for the first time, working together to unite their communities and fight cancer. As a show of support, representatives from BHC will travel to Miami to take part in DCC XIII at Hard Rock Stadium on February 25. The following month, on March 11, a team from DCC will participate in the 15th Bahamas Hope Challenge in Eleuthera.

“One of the most remarkable things about DCC is the way it brings people together,” said DCC Executive Director Javier Sanchez. “Each year we rally together under our ‘One Team, One Fight’ mission, and this year we are thrilled to welcome Bahamas Hope Challenge to the team, as we share the vision of challenging cancer and improving people’s lives.”

Nat Moore, Miami Dolphins senior vice president of special projects and alumni relations, and Susan Larson, BHC co-founder and executive director, were instrumental in securing the partnership.

“Teaming up with DCC is an exciting development for us,” said Larson. “They are an incredible organization, obviously a huge brand, and have an extraordinarily impressive track record. This partnership will enable us to help more Bahamians who have been diagnosed with cancer.”

“Supporting each other through our annual events is just the beginning,” added Moore. “We are in this for the long term. We know there is much we can do to help each other, learn and grow together, and improve many people’s lives. We are excited to get started.”

Tags: Bahamas Hope Challenge, DCC XIII, Dolphins Challenge Cancer, Dr. Stephen D. Nimer, Miami Dolphins, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, UHealth - University of Miami Health System