Trailblazing Philanthropist Fuels Cancer Research Breakthroughs
The Jean and Flora Schnall Computational Hub will allow Sylvester investigators to accelerate scientific discovery and rapidly share transformative results with clinicians worldwide.
A trailblazer in every sense of the word, Flora Schnall has broken barriers and challenged existing norms throughout her life.
At age 20, she was one of only seven women in her class at Harvard Law School, alongside future Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. By 30, Schnall had become one of the first female partners of a prestigious international law firm, where she led major real estate transactions, including the development of the legendary New York Marriott Marquis in Times Square.
Now, through her philanthropic giving to Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, a part of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Schnall supports the pioneering work of fellow trailblazers – the dedicated physician-researchers pioneering life-changing discoveries in cancer care.
A New Era of Cancer Care in Miami
Schnall’s generous donation has helped fund the construction of the Kenneth C. Griffin Cancer Research Building. The 12-story, 244,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility doubles Sylvester’s research footprint, accelerating efforts to develop new therapies, enhance patient care and expand access to clinical trials.
By bringing the world’s best scientists and physicians to Miami, Dr. Nimer is establishing Sylvester as a first-class medical facility, and it’s an honor to be a part of this endeavor.
Flora Schnall
“I have always had a deep interest in longevity and, certainly, the advancements scientists are making to cure disease, especially cancer, is critical to that effort,” said Schnall, a benefactor of the arts and sciences and retired real estate attorney. “The Griffin Cancer Research Building will allow Sylvester researchers to collaborate and make vital discoveries in pursuit of lifesaving therapies for patients and, ultimately, cures for cancer.”
Many of these breakthroughs will be made possible by the Jean and Flora Schnall Computational Hub, named in recognition of Flora and her mother. Located on the fourth floor of the Griffin Cancer Research Building, its cutting-edge equipment and latest network and machine-learning technologies will allow Sylvester investigators to accelerate scientific discovery and rapidly share transformative results with clinicians worldwide.
Friendship Leads to Collaboration
Schnall first became acquainted with Sylvester, the region’s only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center, through her friendship with Sylvester Director Stephen D. Nimer, M.D., and his wife, Georgia. As a longtime supporter, Schnall contributed to the Director’s Innovation Fund and Dolphins Cancer Challenge before making her generous gift to support the Griffin Cancer Research Building.
“I have had the privilege of knowing Flora for many years,” said Dr. Nimer, who is also the Oscar de la Renta Endowed Chair in Cancer Research and executive dean for research at the Miller School. “From the outset, she has been a strong supporter of our work on cancer. As we build the Griffin Cancer Research Building, I know Flora shares in our excitement at its promise and potential. Finding cures to the most difficult-to-treat cancers is now closer than ever.”
Schnall says Dr. Nimer’s impressive background and vision for Sylvester’s future inspired her philanthropic support.
“Dr. Nimer is creating a remarkable facility,” said Schnall. “By bringing the world’s best scientists and physicians to Miami, he is establishing Sylvester as a first-class medical facility, and it’s an honor to be a part of this endeavor.”
The Griffin Cancer Research Building opened in May 2025 to patients. This fall, Sylvester scientists will begin occupying the research floors.
Tags: cancer research, philanthropy, Sylverster Comprehensive Cancer Center