Shoes for a Cure Miami Supports Sylvester Breast Cancer Research

The inaugural charitable event unites fashion and philanthropy, raising funds to support the Braman Family Breast Cancer Institute at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.

A pair of shoes at the Shoes for a Cure event

Physician-scientists at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, a part of UHealth – the University of Miami Health System and the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, are making strides toward finding a cure for breast cancer, thanks to the inaugural Shoes for a Cure Miami.

Support breast cancer research: Donate to Shoes for a Cure

The invitation-only event, sponsored by the Fashion Footwear Charitable Foundation and the Miami Design District, featured an exciting evening of fashion and philanthropy benefiting the Braman Family Breast Cancer Institute at Sylvester.

A work of art on display during Shoes for a Cure
A pair of heels on display during Shoes for a Cure

Kinga Lampert and Craig Robins, members of Sylvester’s Board of Governors and supporters of breast cancer research, were instrumental in bringing Shoes for a Cure to South Florida. Originating in New York, Shoes for a Cure has raised more than $60 million over the past 30 years to fund breast cancer research and treatment advancements at some of the nation’s top research organizations, now including Sylvester, the region’s only NCI-designated cancer center.

Philanthropic Support

Following the exclusive shopping experience, which took place on Oct. 17 at 14 luxury stores in the Miami Design District, guests were treated to a private reception at The Moore Miami, featuring a silent auction and live art creation by artist Karen Starosta-Gilinski. The reception was hosted by Lampert, who thanked attendees for their generosity and spoke of the critical importance of breast cancer research.

“We all believe in philanthropy and the importance of supporting medical research,” said Lampert, who is a breast cancer survivor. “One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States. The purpose of Shoes for a Cure is to get rid of breast cancer from this world once and for all. I want to share a number that, as a breast cancer survivor, gives me great hope: that U.S. death rates from breast cancer have dropped by 43% in the last three decades.”

Scientific Discovery

Susan Kesmodel, M.D., director of breast surgical oncology and co-leader of the Breast Site Disease Group at Sylvester, spoke of the tremendous progress in treating breast cancer. Earlier diagnosis, less toxic and less aggressive treatments, fewer side effects and better long-term outcomes have been made possible because of philanthropic support. Dr. Kesmodel also took the opportunity to share some examples of the novel research being conducted at Sylvester, particularly with triple-negative breast cancer, a very aggressive form of the disease.

Dr. Susan Kensmodel, Dr. Stephen Nimer and Kinga Lampert
From left, Dr. Susan Kesmodel, Dr. Stephen Nimer and Kinga Lampert

“We know one of the most promising treatments harnesses the power of our own immune system to attack the tumor. However, some tumors are unresponsive to treatment, and this could be due to changes in the immune microenvironment,” said Dr. Kesmodel. “Dr. Rumela Chakrabarti, the co-director of the Surgical Breast Cancer Research Group, has identified a way to modify the tumor microenvironment to restore sensitivity to treatment. This is an exciting finding, and we are developing a clinical trial where we will apply this to patients.”

Perfect Partnership

Sylvester Director Stephen Nimer, M.D., thanked the lively crowd, which included many Sylvester breast cancer researchers. He noted that of the many Sylvester discoveries, one of the most impactful was the discovery of a specific BRCA1 mutation found in Bahamian women that predisposed them to getting breast cancer at a very early age. As a result of that research, Bahamian women start getting mammograms at age 30, saving many lives every year.

“Philanthropy fuels scientific discovery, and I could not be more grateful that Shoes for a Cure has expanded to Miami and chosen to support Sylvester,” said Dr. Nimer, who is also the executive dean for research at the Miller School and the Oscar de la Renta Endowed Chair in Cancer Research. “Partnerships such as this are the lifeblood of Sylvester’s mission. Your support will directly impact the lives of our patients and the scope of our research, bolstering our efforts to eradicate this disease in South Florida and beyond.”

Fashion Footwear Charitable Foundation President Sandy Mines also spoke of the power of this partnership.

“We are thrilled to expand our vision with the addition of Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center,” said Mines. “Shoes for a Cure does more than raise funds. It’s about changing lives. Together, we can help support finding a cure for breast cancer.”


Tags: breast cancer, cancer research, Dr. Rumela Chakrabarti, Dr. Stephen Nimer, Dr. Susan Kesmodel, philanthropy, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center