Dolphins Raise Over Five Million For Cancer Research

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Marcus Benjamin @_benjaminmoney

Miami, FL –  The Dolphins Cancer Challenge (DCC VIII) is dedicated to improving people’s lives through the financial support of innovative cancer research through the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.  This year the DCC was able to raise $5,079,000 bringing the eight year total to $27.5 million.

“We are so proud of the accomplishments and progress we have made towards the battle against cancer,” said DCC Executive Director Jennifer Jehn. “Ultimately, our goal is to tackle cancer, and the money we raise goes directly to funding those doctors dedicated to the innovative cancer research at Sylvester. This donation demonstrates that we are all in this together, that you don’t have to have cancer to fight cancer and after bringing the DCC’s total to 27.5 million, we are getting ready for DCC IX which we hope will be our best year yet.”

The DCC started in 2010 and will continue in 2019.  On April 6th of next year, the event will include five bike routes throughout South Florida, a 5K run/walk and a finish line concert celebration.

“I am extremely grateful for the strong relationship forged between the Dolphins and Sylvester, now entering its ninth year,” said Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center Director Stephen D. Nimer, M.D.  “The fact that the DCC has become the largest event fundraiser in the NFL speaks volumes about the amount of work and commitment the Dolphins have dedicated to supporting cancer research at Sylvester.  To date more than $27 million have been raised and are being used to fund pediatric sarcoma and leukemia research, our Precision Medicine Initiative,  start-up packages for emerging researchers, community outreach in underserved areas and more.”

The Miami Dolphins and Dolphins Cancer Challenge supported the NFL’s Crucial Catch campaign designed to raise awareness of early detection and risk reduction of cancers at their home game vs. the Chicago Bears. Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center served as the presenting sponsor of the Crucial Catch game and all fans who attended the game received Cancer Awareness arm sleeves upon entry to Hard Rock Stadium.

All 300 cancer survivors who participated in the DCC were invited to the game and celebrated on the field with doctors who received funding from the money raised.  Eight cancer survivors from the cancer center were honored at halftime and each was represented with a colored sleeve for diversity.

For additional information, call (305) 943-6799 or visit www. DolphinsCancerChallenge.com. DCC can be found on Facebook at facebook.com/RideDCC and on Twitter at @TackleCancer.