The Pap Corps Presents $4.3 Million Donation to Support Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center

By: Stacey Bomser | May 22, 2026 | 8 min. read |

The Pap Corps Champions for Cancer Research presented a $4.3 million gift to Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, reinforcing one of South Florida’s longest-standing philanthropic partnerships.

Group of Pap Corps Champions for Cancer Research members stand indoors holding a ceremonial check for $4.3 million made out to Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center during a donor recognition event.

It’s been a remarkable year for The Pap Corps Champions for Cancer Research. The all-volunteer organization dedicated to supporting cancer research at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, a part of UHealth — University of Miami Health System and the region’s only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center, expanded its membership and fundraising efforts, surpassing its annual goal by almost 20 percent.

Thanks to the tireless work of its 20,000-plus members, The Pap Corps presented a ceremonial check for $4.3 million to Sylvester Director Stephen D. Nimer, M.D., during a “Breakfast with the Doctor and Donor Recognition” program held on May 14 at the Broken Sound Country Club in Boca Raton.

A Longstanding Partnership Driving Cancer Breakthroughs

To date, The Pap Corps has donated more than $110 million to Sylvester, including a transformational $50 million commitment in 2016, which established The Pap Corps campus in Deerfield Beach. In 2023, they also increased their commitment to support the Kenneth C. Griffin Cancer Research Building to $10 million, through an additional $5 million pledge.

In making the official announcement, Susan Dinter, chair of The Pap Corps’ Board of Directors, credited members for their dedication and determination to this critical cause.

Susan Dinter (in red dress) with Dr. Stephen Nimer at the Garden of Hope.

“Without you, we cannot continue our work to fulfill our vision of a world without cancer,” said Dinter. “I am always in awe of how we have done this for 74 years, and that our resolve is still so strongly intact. I have no doubt that our resolve to see a world without cancer will continue until this becomes a reality. That is why our partnership with Sylvester is so important. It is built not only on mutual respect, but on an unyielding resolve to find a cure for all cancers.”

Philanthropy Fuels Scientific Discovery at Sylvester

Dr. Nimer also addressed the partnership, explaining how, thanks to The Pap Corps’ philanthropy, Sylvester scientists are making significant strides in understanding how cancer cells communicate and discovering effective ways to destroy cancer cells.

Dr. Stephen Nimer says the work the Pap Corps does fuels breakthrough cancer research at Sylvester.

“Your loyalty and generosity fuel the breakthroughs that happen at Sylvester every day,” said Dr. Nimer, who is the Oscar de la Renta Endowed Chair in Cancer Research and executive dean for research at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. “Our partnership with The Pap Corps has elevated the quality and impact of the research we undertake, our ability to treat cancer and the hope we can provide patients and their families.”

A Year of Growth and Record Engagement

Beyond celebrating the significant philanthropic gift The Pap Corps made to Sylvester, the event recognized the organization’s accomplishments over the past year. This included welcoming 1,373 new members, opening a new chapter, hosting more than 363 fundraising events, seeing 100 members pledge to become a Pap Angel and raising close to $1 million for the Dr. Kevin Berkowitz Memorial End of Year Giving Campaign. That campaign supports precision prevention, children’s cancers, ocular cancers and survivorship and cancer supportive care services at Sylvester.

Sally Berenzweig, chief executive officer of The Pap Corps, acknowledged that none of this year’s achievements would have been possible without the enduring support of The Pap Corps volunteers.

Lake of Hope landscaped outdoor area along a lake with benches under a canopy, a paved walkway, engraved memorial plaques, and a water fountain in the distance. — The Pap Corps recently unveiled the Lake of Hope at Sylvester’s Deerfield Beach campus.

“Because of you, hope is no longer just a word. It’s a force,” said Berenzweig. “A force driving discovery, changing lives and bringing us closer to a world without cancer. This extraordinary year is your legacy, and together we are just getting started.”

Berenzweig also presented a crystal heart to Susan Dinter, recognizing her dedicated service over the past five years as chair.

“Your leadership has guided us with strength, clarity and unwavering commitment,” she said. “You lead not just with your mind, but with deep compassion and genuine care for our mission and everyone involved.”

Building a Legacy of Cancer Research Support

Named after Dr. George Papanicolaou, who introduced the Pap smear in 1928, The Pap Corps was started in 1952 by five visionary women who were driven by the lack of early detection and treatment of cancer. Over the years, it has grown into South Florida’s largest volunteer fundraising organization and Sylvester’s longest-standing partnership.

Support The Pap Corps Champions for Cancer Research