As Chair of Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Board of Governors, I am fortunate to be in a leadership position of an organization that truly makes a meaningful difference in the lives of so many. At Sylvester, South Florida’s only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer center, you won’t face a cancer diagnosis alone. With a team of world-renowned physicians, researchers and nurses, we focus on the individual to help ensure access to the most innovative treatments, including a phase 1 clinical trials program, and a precision medicine program that tailors treatments to increase survivorship and the best outcomes possible for a patient’s specific cancer.

We strive to accomplish our mission with the establishment of a fully integrated program of patient care, education, and research and promoting community-responsive health care (like our Firefighter Cancer Initiative and Game Changer Vehicles). We also broke ground on the Transformational Cancer Research Building, slated to open in 2025, that will double our footprint and serve as our hub for innovative cancer research.

This year, we celebrated Dolphins Challenge Cancer XIII, the NFL’s largest fundraising event, on February 25, 2023, in partnership with the Miami Dolphins. Raising more than $10.5 million and the participation of 5,642 walkers, runners and cyclists, the event covered more miles and raised more funds than previous DCC events.

Also, Frank J. Penedo, Ph.D., was inducted during a special ceremony as the inaugural holder of the Sylvester Dolphins Challenge Cancer Living Proof Endowed Chair in Cancer Survivorship in recognition of his accomplishments in the field of cancer survivorship and psychosocial oncology.

From creative fundraisers to generous individual gifts, Sylvester has shown that our community would simply not allow our pursuit of cancer cures to be deterred. Your continued support remains invaluable as we put the patient first and work toward a cancer free world.

With Gratitude,

Jayne S. Malfitano
Chair, Board of Governors
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center