Breakfast of Champions for Cancer Research
The Pap Corps Champions for Cancer Research presented its annual gift to support cancer research at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Since 1952, volunteers from The Pap Corps Champions for Cancer Research have walked side by side with Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of UHealth—the University of Miami Health System, sharing a vision of a world without cancer.
Recently, the all-volunteer organization made its latest, extraordinary donation to help Sylvester accelerate its efforts to reach that goal.
A Long History of Supporting Cancer Research
During its annual president’s meeting breakfast in Boca Raton, The Pap Corps presented a ceremonial check for $3.4 million. To date, The Pap Corps has contributed almost $115 million for cancer research at Sylvester, including a historic $50 million pledge in 2016.
“This latest gift is a testament to The Pap Corps’ unwavering support and remarkable generosity,” said Sylvester Director Stephen D. Nimer, M.D., 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. “We could not ask for a better partnership. With a joint focus on cancer research and the well-being of our patients, The Pap Corps’ support will continue to foster innovative scientific research in pursuit of life-improving treatments.”
In addressing the breakfast attendees, who included The Pap Corps executive board members and officers from nearly 50 chapters, Susan Dinter, chair of The Pap Corps’ Board of Directors, thanked the organization’s 20,000-plus volunteers for their tireless work.
“This year we are celebrating our 73rd anniversary, and for 73 years without fail, we have given our annual gift to support cancer research,” said Dinter. “I have no doubt that our resolve to see a world without cancer will continue until this becomes a reality. We truly are the definition of champions for cancer research.”
Perfect Partners
Dinter went on to say that The Pap Corps’ partnership with Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, the region’s only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center, is built not only on mutual respect but on an unyielding resolve to find a cure for all cancers, a sentiment echoed by Sylvester Deputy Director Antonio Iavarone, M.D.
“Our partnership has elevated our response to cancer, the caliber of research we undertake and the hope we can provide patients on their cancer journey,” said Dr. Iavarone, who is also director of Sylvester’s Brain Tumor Institute and a professor of neurological surgery, biochemistry and molecular biology at the Miller School. “The Pap Corps is a magnificent partner and steady compass, providing hope and vision on our path toward finding cancer cures and improving the lives of those we serve.”
The Pap Corps Café, located on the first floor of the new Kenneth C. Griffin Cancer Research Building, is just one example of how The Pap Corps helps improve the patient experience at Sylvester. It offers a gathering space where patients and their loved ones can relax and find refreshment. Additionally, patients visiting The Pap Corps Campus in Deerfield Beach can seek solace and serenity in the Garden of Hope just outside the facility’s front doors and at the soon-to-open Lake of Hope.
Committed to the Cause
The Pap Corps’ accomplishments are a testament to the foundation upon which the organization was founded. What started as an effort by five visionary women driven by the lack of research for women’s cancers has grown into South Florida’s largest volunteer fundraising organization and Sylvester’s longest-standing partnership.
Sally Berenzweig, chief executive officer of The Pap Corps, extended her gratitude to the hundreds of volunteers gathered at the breakfast who have stepped up to take on leadership positions within The Pap Corps.
“Thank you, everyone. Your Herculean efforts are making a difference, and I thank you for all your support,” said Berenzweig, who also extended her thanks to Dinter. “Your dedication, leadership and unwavering commitment to The Pap Corps is the foundation on which this charity is built.”
Tags: philanthropy, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Pap Corps Champions for Cancer Research