Sylvester the Big Winner at Miami Dolphins Crucial Catch Game
A halftime check presentation recognized Dolphins Cancer Challenge, fulfilling its $75 million commitment to support South Florida’s only NCI-designated cancer center.
Dolphins Cancer Challenge (DCC) presented a check for more than $12 million to Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of UHealth – University of Miami Health System, in support of innovative cancer research as the Miami Dolphins faced off against the Tennessee Titans on Sept. 30 at the NFL’s designated Crucial Catch game.
Sylvester Director Stephen D. Nimer, M.D., accepted the celebratory check during halftime. Dr. Nimer, the Oscar de la Renta Endowed Chair in Cancer Research and executive dean for research at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, was joined on the field by Sylvester leadership, members of the cancer center’s Board of Governors, Dolphins leadership, DCC board members and its partners, in addition to representatives from The V Foundation.
They were later joined by cancer survivors who participated in DCC XIV as part of Sylvester’s Believe in You cancer survivorship program, which provides physical training and nutritional counseling to prepare survivors to participate in the DCC’s annual cycling, run and walk fundraising event.
Celebrating the Perfect Partnership
DCC XIV, which took place in February, was the most successful DCC event yet. A record-setting 6,702 attendees raised more than $12 million, fulfilling the program’s $75 million commitment to support innovative cancer research and patient care initiatives at Sylvester two years ahead of schedule.
“It’s an honor and privilege to celebrate this enormous accomplishment in front of our fans, our community and the Sylvester team,” said Dolphins Cancer Challenge Executive Director Javier Sanchez. “Sylvester is more than just a beneficiary. Embodying our ‘One Team, One Fight’ motto, they are a true partner in the fight against cancer.”
“Our partnership with the Miami Dolphins is unmatched. Together, we have changed the face of cancer care and cancer research in South Florida. The relentless drive, unwavering support and dedication to supporting cancer research at Sylvester by our community is truly inspiring,” said Dr. Nimer. “Funds raised each year through the DCC fuel the most talented teams and most impactful cancer research, which is transforming lives and providing hope to countless patients affected by cancer.”
Supporting Cancer Research and Care
Over the past 14 years, DCC has committed more than $75 million to Sylvester. These funds support innovative research and help Sylvester recruit and retain the world’s best minds in cancer research and care while investing in cutting-edge technologies that bring the latest detection, diagnosis and treatment discoveries to cancer patients.
Sylvester physician-scientists are advancing life-saving cancer research in the areas of:
- Precision medicine: Discovering, developing and delivering the next generation of precision cancer medicine.
- Immunotherapy: Investing in the fast-growing field of cancer immunotherapies that boost the patient’s immune system to attack and eradicate cancer cells.
- Clinical trials: Offering the latest clinical cancer trials to patients, allowing them to receive some of the most promising new therapies targeting the drivers of particular cancers.
- Radiation oncology research: Developing new ways to deliver radiation therapy more precisely, concentrating the dosage on cancer cells and leaving healthy tissue unaffected.
- Cancer diagnostics: Investing in new technologies and top talent to better understand each patient’s cancer and its genetic drivers.
About Dolphins Cancer Challenge
Founded in 2010, the Dolphins Cancer Challenge has grown to become the largest fundraising event in the National Football League. One hundred percent of participant-raised funds from the annual cycling, run and walk event go directly to Sylvester to support cancer research. Sylvester is the only National Cancer Institute-designated, academic-based cancer center and phase 1 clinical trial program in South Florida.
DCC XV will take place on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, at Hard Rock Stadium’s Miami International Autodrome. Registration is now open.
Tags: cancer research, DCC, DCC IX, dolphins cancer challenge, Dr. Stephen Nimer, Miami Dolphins, philanthropy, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center