The Miami Dolphins hosted the 15th edition of the Dolphins Cancer Challenge (DCC) on Saturday, February 22, uniting with the South Florida community to raise funds for life-saving cancer research at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of UHealth – the University of Miami Health System. As the NFL's largest fundraising event, DCC XV united a record-breaking 7,300 participants and raised more than $14 million – surpassing last year's record of $12 million raised, bringing the organization's total contribution to Sylvester to nearly $90 million.
Originally established in 2010 to honor former Dolphins player and broadcaster Jim "Mad Dog" Mandich, the event quickly gained widespread community support, with both the Miami Dolphins organization and South Florida residents rallying together to fight cancer. On Saturday, participants cycled 13, 39, 54 or 99 miles – all symbolic of the jersey numbers worn by Dolphins Pro Football Hall of Famers – or walked/ran in the 5K all at the Miami International Autodrome located at Hard Rock Stadium.
"We are incredibly proud of the overwhelming support from our community in the fight against cancer," said Javier Sanchez, Executive Director of Dolphins Challenge Cancer. "Rallying over 7,300 participants and raising more than $14 million is a remarkable achievement that reflects the strength and dedication of everyone involved. This is a true testament to the power of this community coming together year after year to make a difference. With 100 percent of the funds raised going directly to Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, we are more determined than ever to continue raising funds to make strides in cancer care and research here in South Florida."
The event, which returned to the Miami International Autodrome (MIA), was hosted in the Paddock Club of the MIA facilities for the second consecutive year. Participants started and finished their walk/run/ride at the finish line of the Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix as supporters and fans cheered on riders from the Mad Dog Cheer Zone presented by AutoNation DRV PNK.
"We are very grateful for the longstanding partnership we have with the Miami Dolphins," said Stephen D. Nimer, M.D., director of Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Oscar de la Renta Endowed Chair in Cancer Research. "Thanks to the shared vision of the Dolphins organization, the talented and dedicated cancer physicians and researchers at Sylvester and the engaged and philanthropic South Florida community over the past 15 years, we have made incredible progress in developing new cancer treatments for patients here and around the globe! We are providing more innovative and lifesaving treatments that are reducing the impact of cancer on our community, and are providing more hope and cures for our patients and their families."
DCC XV welcomed back its ride distances named in honor of Miami Dolphins players in the Pro Football Hall of Fame – including the 13-mile Dan Marino ride presented by Aetna, the 39-mile Larry Csonka ride presented by MyVenue, the 54-mile Zach Thomas ride presented by Guardant Health and the 99-mile Jason Taylor ride. Participants were also given the opportunity to run or walk with the DCC 5K presented by Amazon or volunteer at the event.
Miami Dolphins players, including quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and several others, participated alongside Managing General Partner/Chairman of the Board Stephen M. Ross, Vice Chairman, President and CEO Tom Garfinkel and head coach Mike McDaniel, as the organization united in the fight against cancer.
The event culminated at the Finish Line Festival, where platinum-recording artist Third Eye Blind performed at the post event concert with over 470 survivors from the Living Proof Program presented by Harcourt M. and Virginia W. Sylvester Foundation. Participants who surpassed a fundraising goal of $4,000 enjoyed the Heavy Hitter Lounge presented by Berkowitz Pollack Brant & Provenance Wealth Advisors in the MIA Paddock Club.
The DCC donates 100 percent of participant-raised funds for cancer research at Sylvester, an effort made possible by the incredible support of all its contributors including generous partners like the Lennar Corporation, AutoNation and Guardant Health.
The Dolphins Challenge Cancer (DCC) was founded in 2010 by the Miami Dolphins organization as the signature initiative of the Foundation's health impact area and has become the largest fundraising event in the NFL. The DCC's purpose is to improve people's lives through financial support for innovative cancer research at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Health System. In November 2020, the organization announced a $75 million commitment to Sylvester, donating 100 percent of participant-raised funds to further life changing treatment. In 2024, the DCC fulfilled that commitment two years ahead of schedule. The DCC continues to accept donations now through March 13 for DCC XV. For more information, visit www.dolphinscancerchallenge.com.
