One Team, One Fight
For 15 years Dolphins Cancer Challenge (DCC) has been dedicated to funding innovative cancer research at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. What started as a small initiative has grown into the largest fundraising event in the NFL, proving that when we come together, we can make real change.
We have built a legacy of hope, resilience, and action. Every dollar raised fuels groundbreaking research and every participant—whether a first-timer or a seasoned veteran—is part of something bigger than themselves.
What began as a small gathering of passionate individuals back in 2010 has blossomed into a powerful movement, with over 7,000 participants in DCC XV. The graph below showcases our incredible growth over the years—from just 400 participants in the early years to thousands uniting each year to fight cancer. This exponential growth reflects not just numbers, but the unwavering commitment, heart, and dedication of our community. Together, we are writing a new chapter in the fight against cancer, one mile, one donation, and one person at a time.
What will you remember most about DCC?
"... the collective energy of everyone around me. Each participant had their own personal reasons for riding and fundraising, which made the experience even more meaningful. Setting a goal to complete the ride and accomplishing it was just the icing on the cake."
What was your favorite DCC experience?
"... participating with my husband and co-workers, but especially participating in the Living Proof celebration for the first time. It was a powerful emotional experience feeling all the love and support, from friends and family and even strangers who all came together for this cause."
#CamdenStrong
9-year-old Camden Katz, a participant who, despite battling a rare childhood cancer, was determined to take part in DCC XV. Diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma just months before the event, Camden’s parents started a team in his honor, expecting a handful of participants. By the time DCC XV arrived, they had over 100 team members and had raised over $62,000—funds directly supporting cancer research at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Camden completed the 5K course while still undergoing treatment, embodying the strength and perseverance that the DCC represents. His story, like so many others, reminds us why we fight. And Camden is just one of many whose journey fuels our commitment to finding a cure.
Spreading Our Story
The media plays a crucial role in amplifying these powerful stories. From CBS to local outlets, coverage showcased DCC’s impact and the inspiring journeys of our participants, bringing their dedication and resilience to an even wider audience
Hear More Impactful Stories with the CBS Pre-Show
Media Highlights
- Mentions: 244
- Impressions: 220,630,616
- Ad Value: $1,238,968
Where Your Support Goes
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
As South Florida’s leader in patient-focused cancer research and care, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Health System and Miller School of Medicine, is at the forefront of innovation. It offers the region’s only Phase 1 Clinical Trials program, giving patients access to the latest investigational treatments.
As the only National Cancer Institute-designated center in South Florida, Sylvester’s designation expands its ability to provide groundbreaking therapies through more clinical trials and collaboration with other top cancer centers. Every dollar raised through DCC fuels this mission, bringing hope and healing to those who need it most.
Empowering survivors
The "Believe in You" program at Sylvester helps cancer survivors train for their DCC route. This wellness initiative offers survivors access to free workouts, including strength training, yoga, and nutrition classes, both in-person and virtual. The program promotes physical activity, which has been proven to reduce cancer recurrence risks and improve quality of life. Survivors, including those currently undergoing treatment, also gain emotional support from a community of peers facing similar challenges.
faces of the dcc
Faces of the DCC is a project dedicated to sharing the impactful partnership between Sylvester and DCC, showcasing how this collaboration is helping to advance the search for more cures. Meet the four individuals selected for the 2025 Faces of the DCC campaign and learn about their unique stories
To meet all the other Faces of the DCC visit the FacesoftheDCC.com
Global reach, local impact
As the only NCI designated cancer center in the area, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center is where a majority of South Floridians will go to seek cancer care when they are ultimately diagnosed. With cancer, it’s typically when, not if, someone is impacted.
The DCC Inspires...
In a landmark announcement at the 2024 ESPY Awards, the V Foundation for Cancer Research revealed a significant expansion in our partnership. This historic collaboration, amounting to a 10-year, $30 million investment, is set to drive pioneering cancer research at Sylvester.
The announcement was made July 11 by tennis legend and philanthropist Serena Williams.
We teamed up with American Cancer Society (ACS) to tackle a crucial issue: the critical cancer health disparities faced by Hispanic and Caribbean populations. The $8.1 million philanthropic partnership will raise funds and awareness for high-quality cancer equity research. The South Florida community is uniquely positioned to study health disparities in specific Hispanic and Caribbean populations not currently covered in the ACS portfolio.
We're proud to be team up with Children’s Tumor Foundation (CTF) to co-fund a study to find advancements in treatment for people with NF, a diverse group of genetic conditions known as neurofibromatosis or schwannomatosis which cause tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body. The $1.7 million research grant to Sylvester announced in May 2024, during NF Awareness Month.
We're proud to be working with StacheStrong to raise funds and awareness for brain cancer research. The philanthropic partnership, which commits to contributing $1 million over four years to Sylvester Comprehensive was announced in July 2024 on Glioblastoma Awareness Day. Glioblastoma is the most common type of brain cancer. The fast-growing and aggressive brain tumor impacts about 15,000 Americans each year and has a five-year survival rate of around 7%, which is why there is urgency for a cure.
During the 2024 season, Dolphins players and Dolphins cheerleaders engaged in more than 25 of DCC’s community initiatives, connecting them with families impacted by cancer through a series of special events.
The Art of Giving Back
This past year, Miami Dolphins player and DCC Board Member Jaelan Phillips went above and beyond when he leveraged his and DCC’s relationships outside of the football world to connect with the Miami Design District and luxury brand, KITH, to host the second annual "Art of Giving Back.”
70+ Dolphins Players, Cheerleaders and alumni
Players, cheerleaders and alumni participated in a variety of ways, from cycling in different bike rides to walking/running the 5k to greeting participants at the finish line and handing out medals. Hall of Famer Zach Thomas and Dan Marino joined more than 25 Dolphins alumni, including Nat Moore.
Community Groups
Breaking the Cycle
Cancer affects everyone, regardless of one’s gender, ethnicity or socioeconomic status.
One of our efforts involves working together with local government officials, organizations and community groups to help those in underserved areas. This led to a partnership with a local bike club, Break the Cycle (BTC), who has raised close to $330,000 for cancer research.
“We formed at the start of the pandemic, focused on filling a void for the black community, and somehow created a movement of black and brown cyclists who ride for a purpose,” ... Break the Cycle Founder Maurice Hanks
mack cycle & Fitness
Fitness routines are no longer just a priority, they are an enjoyed and appreciated lifestyle. Running, walking, and cycling has boomed as have the community leaders creating a culture of engagement and development. It’s partners like Mack Cycle and Fitness that have not only embraced the South Florida community but gone above and beyond for providing best-in-class service and mentorship for all things cycling. Since 2010, team Mack Cycle has raised over $2.5 million for the DCC.
“Mack Cycle is all about building community and encourage a healthier lifestyle. We make cycling easier, fulfilling, and fun for the first timers and professionals alike. Our doors are open to anyone and everyone that is looking to train for the DCC,” ... Mary Jane Mark of Mack Cycle & Fitness.
Future of Cancer Research
“Year after year, the funds raised by the DCC allows Sylvester to recruit and retain some of the world’s best minds in cancer research and provide them with the resources they need to make discoveries,” ... Stephen D. Nimer, M.D., director of Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.
DCC Board of Advisors
MARSHALL AMES | MARCUS BACH-ARMAS | BRAXTON BERRIOS | JESSICA BRUMLEY | ANTHONY CAPPARELLI | ADAM CARLIN | CHRIS CLEMENTS | JOSE DANS | CHRISTIAN DUNGL | TYLER EPP | ERIC FEDER | RUDY FERNANDEZ | JARED GALBUT | TOM GARFINKEL | SHERITA HANKS | ELIZABETH JENKINS | JONATHAN KINGSLEY | JEFF KLEIN | SIMON LEVINE | KELLY MANLEY | STUART MILLER | STEPHEN NIMER, M.D | MIKE PAPPAS | JEFF PECK | JAELAN PHILLIPS | MYLES PISTORIUS | BEN RIESTRA | ASHLEY SHEA | MARC WEINROTH | ERIC ZEITLIN
DCC STAFF
SAVANNAH ALDAY | CELINE DIAZ | EBONE JACKSON | ELIZABETH JENKINS | CHRIS PAVON | ABBEY PHELPS | JAVIER SANCHEZ
partners
The generous support of DCC partners help ensure that every dollar raised funds cancer research.