Philanthropist’s Latest Gift Supports Sylvester’s Transformational Cancer Research Building Fund

Flora Schnall, who has a deep interest in longevity, appreciates the advancements scientists are making in curing disease, especially cancer. That is one of the chief reasons she cites for making a generous gift to Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center to support the construction of the Transformational Cancer Research Building, a 244,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art, premier cancer research facility.

“Philanthropy is critical to promoting science,” said Schnall, a retired real estate attorney and benefactor of the arts and sciences. “The Transformational Cancer Research Building will allow Sylvester’s dedicated team of researchers to work together and make new discoveries as they pursue lifesaving therapies for patients and, ultimately, cures for cancer.”

In gratitude for her generosity, a computational hub on the fourth floor of the Transformational Cancer Research Building will bear Flora’s and her mother’s names.

Sharing Transformative Results

Utilizing cutting-edge equipment and the latest network and machine-learning technologies, the Jean and Flora Schnall Computational Hub will provide expanded connectivity, allowing Sylvester investigators to accelerate scientific discovery and rapidly share transformative results with clinicians worldwide.

“I have had the privilege of knowing Flora for many years,” said Stephen D. Nimer, M.D., director of the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, 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. “We certainly value her contributions to the Director’s Innovation Fund and Dolphins Challenge Cancer over the years, and we are extremely grateful for the funds and faith she is now putting behind our researchers and the groundbreaking work they will achieve in the new Transformational Cancer Research Building.”

Slated to open in 2025, the 12-story facility on the Miller School campus will be a hub for cancer research, innovation, wellness and patient-centered care, all under one roof. The ultramodern facility will support new and emerging directions in cancer treatment from Sylvester, the only nationally ranked and National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center in South Florida.

Tags: Dr. Stephen D. Nimer, Jean and Flora Schnall Computational Hub, philanthropy, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Transformational Cancer Research Building