Dear colleagues and supporters, when I look back at 2023, it is heartening to see the amount of dedication and impact we had. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed. We have a lot to celebrate. This year’s Impact Report mirrors our “Only Sylvester” campaign, emphasizing our commitment to patients from diagnosis to survivorship. In 2023, we laid the foundation for transformative change that will guide our trajectory over the coming year.
First, our University received high recognition as one of the newest Association of American Universities (AAU) members. This honor underscores our devotion to research excellence while addressing global challenges as we train students to be the next generation in science.
I am also thrilled to welcome Jayne Malfitano as our new Board of Governors chair. Jayne’s story with Sylvester has been years in the making. As president of the Harcourt M. and Virginia W. Sylvester Foundation and daughter of philanthropist Harcourt M. Sylvester Jr., Jayne is continuing herfather’s legacy with unwavering support, and this position is a testament to her advocacy for South Florida cancer patients.
Highlighting our half-century mark of advocacy for cancer patients, we celebrated with a 50th-anniversary gala that raised $3.2 million for cancer — 100% of the funds went directly to our Kenneth C. Griffin Cancer Research Building.
We look forward to the completion of this state-of-the-art facility, which will double our research footprint and will be a hub for cancer research in South Florida. With the second-highest cancer burden in the U.S., Florida will benefit from the state’s most significant stand-alone building for cancer research.
We also expanded this year to Naples, Fla., opening our first satellite office, extending services to even more residents, and officially making Sylvester a bicoastal advocate for cancer care.
Our commitment to cancer advocacy and collaboration took shape at the Cancer Survivorship Summit hosted by U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz and first lady Dr. Jill Biden. Strides are being made, especially in our involvement with the American Association for Cancer Research’s Project GENIE, contributing genomic data to advance precision medicine—this is where we excel and are changing the course of treatment.
We are moving at great speed to elevate cancer treatment. In 2023, our superior surgical practice standards and enhanced patient care earned us designation as an ACS Surgical Quality Partner by the American College of Surgeons.
In closing, let’s carry this momentum into the coming year, fueled by the Dolphins Challenge Cancer, The Pap Corps and Kenneth C. Griffin donations. While this annual Impact Report reflects calendar year 2023, with extreme gratitude, we want to acknowledge Mr. Griffin ́s generous $50 million gift received in March 2024 for the renamed Kenneth C. Griffin Cancer Research Building.
Together, we can continue our relentless pursuit of a cancer-free future.
Thank you for your steadfast support.
Stephen D. Nimer, M.D.
Director, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
Oscar de la Renta Endowed Chair in Cancer Research
Executive Dean for Research, Miller School of Medicine
Professor of Medicine, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Throughout 2023, my first year serving as chair of the Board of Governors, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center continued to set the standard for excellence in cancer research, patient care and community impact. Our collaborative and multidisciplinary approach enhances the understanding that the battle against cancer requires a comprehensive and united effort.
The outstanding success of the Dolphins Challenge Cancer XIII on February 25, 2023, with a then record-breaking 5,641 participants and more than $10 million raised, showcased the community’s collective ability to mobilize and provide substantial support for Sylvester’s initiatives. We continue our commitment to healthcare research and care that responds to the needs of our community, emphasizing our dedication to addressing its uniqueness.
The Pap Corps continued to demonstrate its unwavering support and partnership with a historic donation of $8.4 million, part of the organization’s $50 million, 10-year pledge. This commitment highlights the organization’s enduring dedication to advancing groundbreaking cancer research and fostering a legacy of hope and healing within our community.
In November of 2023, we celebrated a milestone with Sylvester’s 50th anniversary gala. The evening not only marked a half-century of steadfast dedication but also served as a beacon of hope for continued progress in the fight against cancer.
Four remarkable individuals who embody the spirit of innovation and commitment were honored for their outstanding contributions. Jashodeep Datta, M.D., was named the DiMare Family Endowed Chair in Immunotherapy, a testament to his groundbreaking research developing novel immunotherapies to treat pancreatic cancer. Pasquale W. Benedetto, M.D., was awarded the Robert J. and Marian G. Fewell Endowed Chair in Medical Oncology Research. Created by Carole Fewell in honor of her parents, Robert J. and Marian G. Fewell, the commitment recognizes their deep appreciation for Dr. Benedetto’s kindness, compassion and skill. Bruno Nahar, M.D., received the Eric and Elizabeth Feder Family Endowed Chair in Urologic Oncology Research, created to ensure that leading-edge research into urologic cancers will continue in perpetuity. The commitment to excellence continued with the recognition of Neha Goel, M.D., M.P.H., who was honored with the John K. and Judy H. Schulte Endowed Chair in Cancer Research for her dedication to advancing translational research, particularly in the realm of breast cancer.
Despite the remarkable progress made in recent years, the fight against cancer is far from over. None of these achievements would have been possible without the dedication of our team, the support of our community and the collaboration with our partners. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to Sylvester.
With gratitude,
Jayne S. Malfitano
Chair, Board of Governors
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center