A Celebration of Innovation and Education
Palm Beach philanthropists host a reception recognizing Sylvester as a renowned destination for cancer care and research.
Vahan and Danielle Gureghian first became acquainted with Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, a part of UHealth—University of Miami Health System and the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, during an outreach event in 2024. That program was a catalyst for the philanthropic couple’s generous gift to support Sylvester, which is South Florida’s only National Cancer Institute-designed cancer center.
Hoping others would make a similar connection, the couple recently hosted a reception at their Palm Beach home, where guests interested in learning more about the cancer center’s innovative research and exceptional patient care could mingle with its renowned leaders and physician-scientists.
Sylvester Director Stephen D. Nimer, M.D., emphasized that the NCI designation recognizes Sylvester as one of the nation’s top cancer centers, and means patients have access to therapies, technologies and clinical trials not available anywhere else in this region.
“Sylvester has become a destination cancer center,” said Dr. Nimer, the Oscar de la Renta Endowed Chair in Cancer Research and executive dean of research at the Miller School. “We have built a comprehensive program where cutting-edge research and compassionate clinical care come together, allowing patients throughout South Florida to access the most advanced treatments without having to leave their families and community.”
The Power of Philanthropic Partners
Dr. Nimer noted that much of this distinction stems from the community’s incredible generosity. Private philanthropy has helped Sylvester open the Kenneth C. Griffin Cancer Research Building, a state-of-the-art research hub, and establish the Sylvester Brain Tumor Institute, Sylvester Pancreatic Cancer Research Institute, Sylvester Myeloma Research Institute and Braman Family Breast Cancer Institute, as well as the Sylvester Survivorship and Supportive Care Institute, which provides personalized, evidence-based care before, during and after treatment.
“We are deeply grateful to benefactors such as Vahan and Danielle, whose partnership allows us to continue advancing cancer research, treatment and survivorship care,” said Dr. Nimer.
Supporting Nursing Education
As owners of a home health care services agency, the Gureghians also have a strong appreciation for quality nursing education and have established an endowed scholarship at the University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies.
Dean Hudson Santos, Ph.D., R.N., expressed his gratitude to the Gureghians for their generous gifts of both time and treasure. Beyond their philanthropic support, the couple extends their professional expertise by serving as chairs of the school’s advisory council.
“By supporting scholarship and advancing initiatives, we are transforming the way we take care of people,” said Dean Santos. “One of the biggest challenges of health care today is the shortage of providers, and that includes qualified nurses. I’m proud to announce that our school now has a 100% passing rate in the board exams.”
For reference, the National Council Licensure Examination-RN pass rate for first-time test takers in Florida is nearly 82%, ranking 47th out of 50 states. UM’s success can be attributed, in part, to its Simulation Hospital Advancing Research and Education, an academic hospital uniquely dedicated to simulation, offering on-site, virtual and extended-reality simulation opportunities.
In addressing guests, Danielle Gureghian acknowledged the significance of this achievement.
“When it comes to medical care, your first interaction is always with the nurse,” said Gureghian. “They are the first line. Having high-quality nursing care is what we all want, especially if in need of cancer care. That is why we proudly support Sylvester and the School of Nursing and Health Studies.”
UHealth is nationally recognized for exceptional nursing, having been awarded the prestigious Magnet® with Distinction from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). This is the highest national honor for nursing excellence. UHealth is the first hospital system in Florida and is among fewer than 1% of hospitals nationwide to hold the Magnet with Distinction designation.
Inspiring Success
Following the remarks, guests were encouraged to enjoy the cocktail reception and speak with the physicians, researchers and faculty in attendance and learn about the progress they are making to create brighter futures for all patients.
In addition to Dr. Nimer, Sylvester representatives included:
• Jayne Sylvester Malfitano, chair of Sylvester’s Board of Governors, University of Miami Board Trustee and School of Nursing and Health Studies advisory council member
• Alvaro Alencar, M.D., chief medical director of Sylvester and associate professor of clinical medicine in the Division of Hematology at the Miller School
• Jashodeep Datta, M.D., associate director of translational research at Sylvester Pancreatic Cancer Research Institute, co-leader of the Gastrointestinal Site Disease Group, the DiMare Family Endowed Chair in Immunotherapy and associate professor in the Division of Surgical Oncology at the Miller School
• Macarena De La Fuente, M.D., associate professor in the Division of Neuro-oncology at the Miller School, chief of neuro-oncology at Sylvester, co-director of the Sylvester Brain Tumor Institute and neuro-oncology clinical service leader for the oncology service line
• Sanoj Punnen, M.D., professor of urologic oncology at the Miller School, co-leader of Sylveser’s Cancer Control Program, co-chair of the Genitourinary Site Disease Group and vice chair of research at the Desai Sethi Urology Institute
Representing the UM School of Nursing and Health Studies were:
• María de los Ángeles Ortega Hernández, D.N.P., APRN, associate dean for graduate clinical programs
• Denise Vidot, Ph.D., a cannabis and psychedelics epidemiologist certified in cannabis patient care
• Heidy Medina, Ph.D., M.P.H., a cancer epidemiologist focused on elucidating and addressing the complex patterns of cancer risk and outcomes.
Supporting Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
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Explore the Spring 2026 issue of University of Miami Medicine Magazine, featuring advances in heart care, cancer research and innovation.
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Tags: Dean Henri Ford, Dr. Alvaro Alencar, Dr. Jashodeep Datta, Dr. Macarena De La Fuente, Dr. Sanoj Punnen, Dr. Stephen Nimer, Jayne Malfitano, nursing, philanthropy, scholarships, School of Nursing and Health Studies, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center