More than 5,000 cancer fighters turned out on April 6, 2019, to participate in the ninth annual Dolphins Cancer Challenge (DCC) at Hard Rock Stadium. Together, the South Florida community rode, ran, and walked 62,136 miles to fight cancer. The impact of the DCC’s contributions to Sylvester’s researchers and patient caregivers to date is extraordinary, reaching a record total of $32.5 million this year.
“The Dolphins Cancer Challenge funds all of our early-stage research, including global oncology research, through which we are trying to improve cancer care around the world,” said Gilberto de Lima Lopes, Jr., M.D., M.B.A., Sylvester’s associate director of global oncology. “This is one of our most important days of the whole year, and that’s how we keep our mission going. We do this for our patients, we do this for our community, we do this for all of those who have been affected by cancer in any way.”
Dr. Lopes joined the race among hundreds of cancer patients, cancer survivors, and their supportive friends and families who showed up to celebrate victories, as well as honor loved ones who have been lost in the battle. It was an emotional day for all involved, with all proceeds going directly toward cancer research. One of DCC IX’s biggest draws this year came from Sylvester’s four-year-old Firefighter Cancer Initiative. “I DCC because as the associate director of Sylvester I see firsthand how the contribution of the Dolphins Cancer Challenge accelerates our ability to fulfill our mission,” said Erin Kobetz, Ph.D., M.P.H. “And I DCC with firefighters because I believe some of the most important work that Sylvester does is determining why firefighters are at increased risk of developing and dying of cancer. Our partnership with the Dolphins allows us to pursue that kind of innovative research that has a real impact on getting us closer to a cancer-free tomorrow.”
At the end of the 5K, the firefighters presented special awards to Dr. Kobetz and the Sylvester team. Sam Eaton, the battalion chief from Palm Beach Fire Rescue, discussed the important partnership in saving firefighters’ lives.
“We thank the Miami Dolphins 100% for this opportunity,” Eaton said. “We want to support Sylvester, and this is a fantastic way to do it. We have a special presentation for Dr. Kobetz: this is a fire ax — in the fire service, the fire ax is used to force entry and save lives.” Eaton read the inscription: “For helping the fire service break through the cancer stronghold, with the power of science, innovation, prevention and education, to save the lives of our firefighters, we thank you, Dr. Erin Kobetz.” Two more axes were presented to Alberto Caban-Martinez, D.O., Ph.D., M.P.H., co-director of the Firefighter Cancer Initiative, and Natasha Solle, Ph.D.
This year also marked a record turnout for Team Hurricanes. W. Jarrard Goodwin, M.D., chief medical officer at Sylvester, has participated in all nine DCC events.
“It’s a very special event for me, and it has been a huge part of my life,” Dr. Goodwin said. “I participate for the friends and family that we’ve lost to cancer, as well as for my patients and my colleagues. And the Dolphins have been such incredible partners – thanks to them and to all of our sponsors, every nickel raised goes directly to funding research at Sylvester.”
Fresh off the Hurricane Hundred bike ride, Sylvester Director Stephen D. Nimer, M.D., took to the stage on that unforgettable Saturday afternoon with Miami Dolphins owner Steven Ross, Miami Dolphins CEO Tom Garfinkel, and new head coach Brian Flores, along with Stuart Miller, chairman of Lennar and a University of Miami trustee, and other DCC supporters. Dr. Nimer thanked the crowd for participating in the event, which raised $6 million this year alone.
“It is unbelievable to see the support of so many people for Sylvester’s cancer research programs,” Dr. Nimer said. “I can’t tell you the number of cancer survivors who’ve come up to me since I crossed the finish line to tell me their stories. Each and every person has a story to tell, of how the work we do at Sylvester impacts people’s lives. Thanks to the DCC, and all of your efforts, people now have more hope, and they don’t have to leave South Florida to get world-class cancer care.”