In a reception last night on the campus of the University of Miami and later at the UM basketball game, the Miami Dolphins Foundation presented Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center with a check for $533,106. The amount is one of the largest gifts ever to Sylvester from a single event and represented 100% of all funds raised by more than 300 adult and 100 kid riders who participated in the inaugural Dolphins Cycling Challenge in November 2010.
Miami Dolphins CEO Mike Dee and Vice Chairman Jorge Perez presented the check. The tri-county bicycle ride was created by the Miami Dolphins and supported by Perez, Dolphins owner Stephen Ross and the over 400 cyclists, that rode up to 170 miles through Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties. Riders spanned from ages three to 84 and nearly 450 volunteers helped put on the inaugural event.
“The DCC was made possible because of the extraordinary support and leadership of Steve Ross,” Dee said. “Steve’s commitment to South Florida inspires our entire organization to make a difference in the communities we serve every day. His contributions will have a profound impact on our region for many years to come.”
Sylvester is recognized as one of the top cancer research institutions in the country. It is on the cutting edge in finding a cure for cancer and developing new treatments for its patients. With the donation, the doctors at Sylvester can continue to help those like former Dolphins great and radio commentator Jim “Mad Dog” Mandich who is currently undergoing treatment at Sylvester. Mandich was the DCC’s Grand Marshal this year.
“Every part of this experience has exceeded my greatest hopes,” said Dr. W. Jarrard Goodwin, M.D., Sylvester’s chief medical officer who completed the full 170 miles of the DCC ride. “There are so many opportunities to diagnose and treat cancer better today. All we need is the funds to put it into practice and so that amount of money is really going to help. Every part of this event has been an incredible experience for me.”
In addition to Dee, Perez and Goodwin, UM President Donna E. Shalala and Dean Pascal J. Goldschmidt were on hand and spoke briefly before the check presentation. Current Dolphins players Vernon Carey, a UM alumnus, and Ryan Baker were in attendance, as was former Dolphins wide receiver and vice president/senior adviser Nat Moore and former Dolphins linebacker and director of youth programs Twan Russell.