Pap Corps Unveils Lake of Hope at Sylvester’s Deerfield Beach Campus
The Pap Corps Champions for Cancer Research celebrated the opening of the Lake of Hope, a tranquil space at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Deerfield Beach campus designed to support healing, reflection and community.
Members of The Pap Corps Champions for Cancer Research were out in full force to celebrate the opening of the new Lake of Hope at The Pap Corps Campus, the Deerfield Beach location of Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of UHealth — University of Miami Health System. This marks the second phase of its Garden of Hope project, which offers quiet, reflective spaces designed to bring comfort, calm and connection to all who visit.
The project was spearheaded by Beverly Berkowitz, a member of The Pap Corps’ Board of Directors and co-founder of the Valencia Pointe Chapter. Her vision, inspired by a similarly serene space she visited in Nashville, was to create a place of tranquility and sanctuary for peaceful reflection for cancer patients, their families and health care workers. Scattered throughout the garden and lakeshore area are commemorative bricks, benches, planters and inspirational plaques purchased by donors to celebrate a survivor, remember a loved one and support cancer research.
“We wanted to establish an area that would reflect The Pap Corps’ generosity, dedication and commitment to Sylvester,” said Berkowitz. “The names Garden of Hope and Lake of Hope, and the coming soon Path of Hope, reflect who we are as Pap Corps members — messengers of hope. We believe supporting cancer research gives every patient hope.”
A Supportive Partner
For nearly 75 years, The Pap Corps has supported Sylvester, the region’s only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center. It started as an effort by five visionary women driven by a lack of research for women’s cancers and has grown into South Florida’s largest volunteer fundraising organization and Sylvester’s longest-standing partnership.
“The Pap Corps and Sylvester have a long history together, and this legacy is now etched into these bricks, into these benches, into every part of this garden,” said Susan Dinter, chair of The Pap Corps’ Board of Directors. “This garden has been a labor of love, and as I stand here surrounded by its beauty, I am overwhelmed with a feeling of happiness. It is a testament to The Pap Corps’ commitment to our relationship with Sylvester, a relationship that grows stronger every year.”
Sylvester Director Stephen D. Nimer, M.D., expanded upon that legacy, recognizing The Pap Corps for its steadfast support. It has raised more than $110 million to advance cancer research and patient care. This includes:
• A transformational $50 million commitment in 2016, which established The Pap Corps Campus
• A $10 million pledge in 2023 to support the Kenneth C. Griffin Cancer Research Building
• The naming of three Pap Corps endowed chairs for cancer research
• Support for the Game Changer mobile outreach program, which allows Sylvester to bring lifesaving care directly into underserved communities providing education and cancer screenings to more than 47,000 individuals each year.
Hope and Healing
In expressing his gratitude to The Pap Corps members for their immeasurable support, Dr. Nimer also spoke of the significance of the day’s celebration.
“Today is about more than acknowledging this special place. It is what this place represents,” 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. “The Garden of Hope and the Lake of Hope represent healing, remembrance and the power of community. These spaces remind us that healing is not only clinical. It is emotional, spiritual and deeply human.”
The human connection was evident as members of The Pap Corps explored the gardens, looking for the names of loved ones among the bricks and enjoying the respite this tranquil area provides.
“This beautiful space stands as a powerful symbol of what compassion, dedication and community can achieve when united by one shared mission: to eradicate cancer,” said Sally Berenzweig, chief executive officer of The Pap Corps. “For families, the Garden of Hope and Lake of Hope offer comfort, connection and a place to hold on to meaningful memories. For the doctors and nurses of Sylvester, it’s a powerful reminder of the lives behind their work. And for all of us, it reminds us that even in life’s most difficult moments, there is beauty, there is strength and there is always hope.”
Get Involved
Learn more about The Pap Corps Champions for Cancer Research’s Garden of Hope project and purchase a commemorative brick, inspirational paver or remembrance plaque.
More from The Pap Corps Champions for Cancer Research
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The Pap Corps Champions for Cancer Research presented its annual gift to support cancer research at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.
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Tags: cancer research, Dr. Stephen Nimer, philanthropy, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Pap Corps Champions for Cancer Research