Pitch Perfect: Jaelan Phillips Music Program Opens at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
The University of Miami alumnus and former Miami Dolphins linebacker establishes a new cancer survivorship program.
University of Miami graduate and former Miami Dolphins linebacker Jaelan Phillips, B.G.S. ’24, understands the healing power of music.
It has helped him get through challenging times in his life, and he hopes music will do the same for patients at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, a part of UHealth – University of Miami Health System. Through the Jaelan Phillips Foundation, he made a generous donation to establish the Jaelan Phillips Music Program, as part of the Sylvester Cancer Survivorship and Supportive Care Institute.
“Music has always been a huge part of my life,” Phillips said. “It’s helped me through some of the toughest moments, and I know how powerful and healing it can be. I’m proud to support the work Sylvester is doing and to help give young cancer patients an outlet that brings them peace, hope and strength when they need it most.”
Music Heals
Phillips grew up in a family of musicians. His parents met while playing in a college orchestra, and his grandfather is a Juilliard-trained pianist, conductor and dean of the Lynn Conservatory of Music in Boca Raton. As a child, Phillips played piano and guitar and taught himself basic production and engineering skills. So, when a series of injuries sidelined his college football career, he decided to return to his musical roots.
Phillips enrolled in music production and audio engineering classes at a community college. Producing and recording his own music gave him a renewed sense of purpose. With his body and mind on the mend, Phillips was ready to return to school and football.
Wanting a university with strong programs in both music production and football, Phillips applied and was accepted to the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami. He played one standout season for the Hurricanes before being drafted by the Miami Dolphins in 2021.
Supporting Sylvester
It was through the Dolphins that Phillips came to learn about Sylvester, the only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center in South Florida and one of the nation’s top 50 cancer centers, as ranked by U.S. News & World Report. Dolphins Cancer Challenge (DCC), the team’s signature fundraising event, supports innovative cancer research at Sylvester, having raised more than $90 million to date. Phillips serves on the DCC Board of Advisors and has participated in the 99-mile bicycle route several times.
“I can’t honestly think of a better partnership than Sylvester because Jaelan has done so much work over the years with the DCC, plus his connection to the U,” said Sabine Robertson-Phillips, executive director of the Jaelan Phillips Foundation and Jaelan’s mother. “Music is Jaelan’s passion, and to be able to establish the Jaelan Phillips Music Program and bring music education and therapy to cancer patients, particularly youth, to support their health and healing is incredible. We look forward to supporting this program as it grows long-term and provides a positive and lasting impact on the patients it serves.”
Cancer Survivorship Services
The Jaelan Phillips Music Program, with its portable studio offering music engineering and production experiences, will enrich the Cancer Survivorship and Supportive Care program at Sylvester.
“The establishment of the Jaelan Phillips Music Program at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center represents a vital advancement in holistic cancer survivorship care. Music, as a powerful therapeutic tool, enhances emotional well-being, supports psychological healing and fosters resilience among patients during and after cancer treatment,” said Frank J. Penedo, Ph.D., ’99, director of Cancer Survivorship and Supportive Care at Sylvester, the Sylvester Dolphins Challenge Cancer Living Proof Endowed Chair in Cancer Survivorship and professor of psychology at UM and medicine at the Miller School. “This program embodies a compassionate approach that integrates art and science to improve quality of life and survivorship outcomes for our patients. It is an invaluable addition to the comprehensive supportive care services we provide at Sylvester.”
While the initiative was formulated by Phillips and his belief in the importance of music as part of the healing process, it is supported by other big-name stars. Following a concert at Hard Rock Stadium recently, Coldplay donated a professional keyboard, which will now become part of the Jaelan Phillips Music Program.
Phillips’ commitment to this program will extend far beyond his philanthropic donation, as he also intends to visit patients participating in the music program, especially the pediatric, adolescent and young adult patients, whenever possible.
“I’ve always felt like you can make the most profound impact working with kids,” said Phillips, whose foundation has also sponsored a music production and audio engineering mentorship program through the Frost School of Music. “Music has always been a powerful force in my life, and through this new music program, I’m hoping it will be for Sylvester patients, as well.”
Tags: alumni, cancer survivorship, Cancer Survivorship Program, Dr. Frank Penedo, music therapy, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sylvester Survivorship and Supportive Care Institute