Amidst an atmosphere of triumph and shared purpose, The Pap Corps Champions for Cancer Research presented a monumental $4.4 million check to Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center during its May Breakfast with the Doctor event at the Broken Sound Country Club. This year’s celebration brought together hundreds of dedicated volunteers, community leaders, and medical visionaries to honor the 74-year-old nonprofit’s mission of funding groundbreaking cancer research at South Florida’s only NCI-Designated Cancer Center.
The tremendous donation represents the tireless dedication of more than 20,000 members across 48 chapters throughout South Florida. These champions, supported by a network of committed corporate and individual sponsors, spent the past year spearheading creative initiatives to fuel the next generation of cancer treatments.
“Today, we are not just celebrating a number; we are celebrating the relentless spirit of our members who transform passion into tangible hope,” remarked Sally Berenzweig, CEO of The Pap Corps. “This donation is a testament to the unwavering heart of our volunteers, all of whom are united by the singular vision of a future where cancer is no longer a threat.”
Dr. Stephen Nimer, Director of Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer shared with the members his incredible gratitude for their service, emphasizing that The Pap Corps is an indispensable partner in their mission. He noted that the funds the nonprofit provides are essential for sustaining the rigorous standards of excellence required for NCI-designated centers, which lead the way in patient-focused care and precision medicine.
“The energy at our donation events is always extraordinary, but reaching this number created an atmosphere of pure joy,” said Susan Dinter, Pap Corps Chair of the Board. “We take immense pride in our dedicated volunteers; they understand that every dollar raised serves as a powerful catalyst for the physicians and researchers who are redefining the boundaries of what is possible in lifesaving care.”
About The Pap Corps:
Since its founding in 1952, The Pap Corps, a 501 (c)(3), has donated more than $110 million to Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, including a historic $50 million pledge in 2016. The Pap Corps derives its name from Dr. George Papanicolaou, a pioneer in cytopathology and early cancer detection, who introduced the world to the revolutionary “Pap” test. A small group of women began the organization to support his efforts, and over the decades it has grown into an organization of over 20,000 men and women, in nearly 50 chapters, raising funds to support research for all types of cancers.
About Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center:
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of UHealth — University of Miami Health System and the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, is the only National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated and nationally ranked cancer center in South Florida. NCI designation recognizes that Sylvester has met the most rigorous standards for cancer research, beginning in our laboratories, extending to patient care, and meeting specific needs in our community. Sylvester is known as South Florida’s leader in patient-focused cancer research and care, offering the only Phase 1 Clinical Trials program – the first step in evaluating how patients respond to the latest investigational treatments. NCI designation further expands Sylvester’s ability to provide access to novel therapies through more clinical trials and collaboration with other designated centers. Equipped with a highly qualified team of more than 2,400 cancer-focused physicians, researchers and support staff working together, Sylvester discovers, develops, and delivers more precision cancer care. To serve current and future patients, Sylvester has a network of conveniently located outpatient treatment facilities throughout South Florida. During the festivities we were able to thank our outgoing Boca Pointe co-presidents Belinda Coon, Allan Wickstein, and Denise Siegel for their endless hours and hard work, and we look forward to welcoming and working with our incoming president, Felice Rosen.
