Together for a Brighter Future
As we reflect on the past year at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and UHealth — UM's Health System, we are overwhelmed with pride and gratitude. This annual impact report is more than a summary of milestones; it is a testament to the dedication, resilience and vision of our team, our patients and our supporters. Together, we are shaping a future where cancer care and research thrive hand in hand, united by a shared purpose to transform lives.
The past year was transformative for Sylvester, with many landmark achievements.
Among our greatest achievements was the successful renewal of our National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation, reaffirming our standing among the top 4% of cancer centers nationwide and as South Florida's only NCI-designated cancer center.
This prestigious recognition reflects the collective brilliance and hard work of our community, allowing us to expand research, attract vital funding and, ultimately, improve patient outcomes. We were equally inspired by the extraordinary $93 million raised in philanthropy, including a historic $50 million naming gift for the Kenneth C. Griffin Cancer Research Building. These gifts signify trust in our mission and an enduring belief in the transformative power of science and care.
At the heart of Sylvester is a patient-first philosophy. This year, we witnessed a 15% increase in patient volumes, a clear indicator of our growing reach and impact. We expanded our facilities with the establishment of the Sylvester Brain Tumor Institute and the expansion of our Doral site. These efforts bring life-saving care closer to those who need it most. Looking ahead, we remain resolute in our commitment to achieve NCI "Comprehensive" designation in five years, joining an elite group of only 57 institutions nationwide. This goal is not just aspirational; it is a guiding light that shapes our strategic planning and every decision we make.
Our journey forward is already taking shape. With the upcoming launch of SoLé Mia in North Miami, we are poised to expand our offerings and bring hope to even more families. Our dedication to breaking barriers in access, care and outcomes remains unwavering. The Sylvester Retreat this past year underscored this mission. It was a powerful gathering of hundreds of cancer researchers and physicians where we recalibrated our trajectory, reaffirmed our purpose and mapped our strategic goals for the next five years. At the retreat, we set our sights on ensuring that every patient's journey is met with compassion and innovation.
At the forefront of research, Sylvester continues to make groundbreaking strides. Precision medicine remains a cornerstone of our approach, minimizing toxicity and maximizing therapeutic benefits through tailored treatments. We celebrated Dr. C. Ola Landgren's pivotal research on minimal residual disease (MRD) in myeloma, which has the potential to revolutionize drug approval processes and accelerate access to effective therapies. This is just one example of how Sylvester's work is shaping the future of oncology, not just in Miami but globally.
Collaboration is the key to innovation. Our partnerships with other NCI-designated cancer centers amplify our efforts to tackle some of the most challenging cancers, from brain and pancreatic to neuroendocrine and blood malignancies. Additionally, our leadership in lifestyle medicine and cancer survivorship continues to set national benchmarks. The "Celebration of Life" conference this year brought together a record number of cancer-free patients—a poignant reminder of why we do what we do.
As South Florida's population grows, so does Sylvester's role in shaping the health care landscape. The region's vibrant, dynamic economy provides fertile ground for innovation and progress. As part of the University of Miami, we are uniquely positioned to address the needs of our expanding community while honoring the legacy of Harcourt Sylvester Jr., former business executive, philanthropist and the visionary behind the only university-based cancer center in South Florida.
Looking ahead, we are committed to fostering innovation, attracting world-class talent and advancing the frontiers of cancer care and research. The next five years will be pivotal as we strive to achieve new heights in care delivery and scientific discoveries. The future of Sylvester is bright, and it is built on the foundation of collective effort—from our researchers and clinicians to our patients, families and generous supporters, such as the Dolphins Cancer Challenge and The Pap Corps, which help us in our mission.
We invite you to explore the highlights in this report, celebrate our shared achievements, and join us in envisioning the next chapter of Sylvester. Together, we will continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in the fight against cancer.
With unwavering hope and optimism,
Stephen D. Nimer, M.D.
Director
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
Jayne Sylvester Malfitano
Chair, Board of Governors
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center