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Philanthropy Plays A Pivotal Role In Our Pursuit Of Cancer Cures

Partnering For One Mission

As we work diligently to overcome cancer’s biggest challenges, Sylvester is thankful for the support of our extraordinary community. Through your valuable partnership, we can continue to bring new hope to our patients and their families.

Sylvester by the Numbers

Castaways Against Cancer supported cancer research at Sylvester for their second year in a row, funding critical research of rare pediatric brain cancers, and most recently toward early cancer prevention strategies and new therapies for aggressive, treatment-resistant lymphomas.

“It is an honor to partner with a landmark institution in our community such as Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami. It carries a lot of weight with our paddlers to be able to witness the impact of our efforts so close to home.”
ERIC PINO
Captain of Castaways Against Cancer, a Christopher Columbus High School-affiliated kayaking team that has raised funds for cancer research for 22 years.
Castaways Against Cancer at the send-off for The Blackjack Tour, June 2021. Photo by JC Diaz

For more than 30 years, Cancer Link has increased awareness about the importance of raising funds for breast cancer research at Sylvester. This past year, the volunteer organization got creative to raise funds in a safe, socially distanced way, with an online appeal and a Royal High Tea, celebrated in small private gatherings. All proceeds went to support the innovative work at the labs of five breast cancer researchers.

“Cancer Link has always offered a festive way to raise funds for a meaningful cause. Every event produced by our organization reminds us that we are saving lives, as well as celebrating them. Though COVID-19 changed our original plans, we were determined it would not dampen our spirits or distract us from our mission.”
MARLENE BERG
Founder, Cancer Link
From left, Meredith Wolf, Ilyssa Ettelman, Jodi Kurzweil, Cheryl Ettelman, Laurie Nuell, and Amy Deutch.

Oscar OrtizMr. Ortiz founded SebastianStrong, a nonprofit that funds innovative research for childhood cancers, in memory of his son, Sebastian, who lost his battle with cancer when he was just 16 years old.

SebastianStrong has raised over $1 million through sport-focused initiatives to help Sylvester researchers find less toxic, more targeted treatments for children with cancer. SebastianStrong has partnered with the Miami Dolphins Foundation and is raising funds year-round through the Dolphins Challenge Cancer.

“Our goal is to save a life so at least one family does not have to hear there are no more treatment options for their child. There is no better way for me to honor my son.”
OSCAR ORTIZ
Founder and President, SebastianStrong

Mr. Dwoskin funds several research programs annually at Sylvester. The Dwoskin Proton Therapy Center is named after Mr. Dwoskin and his family for their generous gift to support the innovative facility.

“One of the things I appreciate about giving to Sylvester is how versatile my options are to help as many people as possible. Not only do I give to research, but the experts at Sylvester know about the best treatment options and latest techniques on every aspect of the cancer journey… I believe proton therapy is going to cure a lot of cancers right now that simply cannot be cured.”
STEVEN DWOSKIN
Benefactor, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
Danny Dwoskin, Debbie Mays, Steven Dwoskin, and Lisa Dwoskin at the opening of the Dwoskin Proton Therapy Center

The Pap Corps Champions for Cancer Research inaugurated its eagerly anticipated Garden of Hope at The Pap Corps Campus of Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in Deerfield Beach. The space provides comfort and serenity to cancer patients while supporting cancer research by selling the opportunity to engrave bricks that pave the garden. The Pap Corps is comprised of more than 22,000 individuals located primarily in Broward and Palm Beach Counties. For 70 years, their mission has been to enable and support the vital research programs at Sylvester.

“The Garden of Hope offers a place of tranquility and peace for patients, family, and all who visit the campus. The Pap Corps is honored to spearhead this important project, which welcomes donors to create an enduring legacy while supporting the next survivor.”
SUSAN DINTER
Chair, The Pap Corps Champions for Cancer Research
Susan Dinter and Stephen D. Nimer, M.D. cut the ribbon to The Garden of Hope, November 2021.