Our Mission
Unite the South Florida community in the fight against cancer by organizing fundraising events, fostering awareness, and supporting cancer research, treatment, and patient care initiatives. Through our collective efforts, we strive to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those affected by cancer and to contribute towards finding cures and improving outcomes for patients.
DCC XIV raised $12 million with the support of over 6,000 participants
One Team, One Fight
The cornerstone of this continued fundraising effort takes place every February, when the organization hosts its annual signature DCC event where participants can join various bike ride distances or walk/run a 5K.
100% of participant-raised funds are donated directly to Sylvester – the only NCI designated cancer center in South Florida.
HISTORIC LOOK BACK
In 2010, the Miami Dolphins launched the Dolphins Cycling Challenge, a two-day cycling event aimed at raising funds for innovative cancer research at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. What started as a humble initiative has now blossomed into a multi-faceted campaign encompassing various athletic endeavors and fundraising activities.
Over the years, we have witnessed remarkable growth and unwavering support from our community. From local cyclists to professional athletes, from cancer survivors to families honoring lost loved ones, the DCC has brought together people from all walks of life with a shared commitment to making a difference.
In 14 years, we've evolved from a one distance, two-day cycling event to the best party in town at the Formula 1 Cyrpto.com Miami Grand Prix venue with multiple rides honoring Dolphins Pro Football Hall of Famers and a 5k.
As the No. 1 fundraising event in the NFL, our mission continues strong – to tackle cancer head-on and support those affected by it.
More Funds Raised, More Living Proof
Funds raised support the advancement of cancer research through breakthrough science, leading-edge technology and personalized patient care at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Health System. In 2024 more than 400+ Living Proof took part in DCC XIV.
Local Businesses Unite
Led by the DCC’s Executive Director and the board of advisors, uniting community leaders is crucial to strengthening the organization’s impact in the fight against cancer. The DCC’s volunteer board fosters collaboration and cooperation among leaders from businesses and nonprofits to leverage their collective expertise, resources and networks to address the multifaceted challenges posed by cancer.
By working together with some of the most influential business, the DCC engages their team members and drives corporate social responsibility all while making a meaningful difference in reducing the burden of cancer on our communities and improving cancer prevention, research, and support.
THE DCC initiative INSPIRES...
SYLVESTER COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTER
Part of the University of Miami Health System and University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center is the only cancer center in South Florida designated by the National Cancer Institute.
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.
a PARTY FOR EVERYONE
Participants can cycle for 6+ hours as part of the 99-mile ride or run/walk the 5K. Some prefer to virtually fundraise and enjoy the Finish Line Festival with music from Grammy-award winning artists such as Chaka Khan or Sheryl Crow. Everyone can participate in DCC to fight cancer, regardless of age, fitness level or background.
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 Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) is a nonprofit organization committed to achieving prevention and a cure for breast cancer. In 2023, DCC and fellow BCRF partner AutoNation together announced 4-year, $1 million commitment to BCRF to fund a project at Sylvester to advance the scientific understanding of the relationship between social determinants of health, geographic location and environmental stress and breast cancer mortality.
The V Foundation for Cancer Research, founded by ESPN and renowned basketball coach Jim Valvano, has a singular mission: to achieve Victory Over Cancer®. In 2022, the DCC in partnership with the V Foundation made a $5 million commitment to support critical cancer research focused on disparities and has resulted in the funding of nine world-class research projects.
faces of the dcc
Faces of the DCC is a project dedicated to documenting the impact of the partnership between Sylvester and DCC, and how it's played a crucial role in advancing the drive towards more cures. Meet the four selected faces included in the 2024 Faces of the DCC campaign.
During the 2023 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.
jaelan phillips volunteers as dcc board advisor
The Miami Dolphins linebacker joined the DCC Board of Advisors in 2022 and has served on the board for two consecutive years.
“Jaelan’s been a true inspiration not just to his peers, but to the entire South Florida community. Because of this, he’s earned a seat as a board member for Dolphins Challenge Cancer” .... Nipun Merchant, M.D., Director of Surgical Oncology Research at SCCC
The Art of Giving Back
This past year, 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, GALLERY DEPT, to host an exclusive fashion and art charity event titled "The Art of Giving Back.”
A night of fashion, art, and philanthropy. Their presence underscored the community's support for the cause and raised over $50,000 for DCC XIV.
JAYLEN WADDLE GROWS SPECIAL BOND WITH SIX-YEAR-OLD CANCER PATIENT
Rocco Passaro is a six-year-old Miami Dolphins fan from South Florida. His favorite player is Jaylen Waddle and is a big fan of Waddle’s “penguin waddle” touchdown celebration. When Waddle was made aware of this, DCC stepped in and connected the two. Since then, Waddle and Rocco have built a strong bond as Rocco battled leukemia.
“Rocco’s my guy, he’s a cool kid, man”... Waddle, Miami Dolphins Wide Receiver
50+ Dolphins Player, Cheerleaders and alumni participated in DCC XIV
Players, cheerleaders and alumni 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 Famers, Dan Marino and Zach Thomas, 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, it’s typically a matter of when, not if, a person will be impacted.
One of DCC’s efforts involved 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 $300,000 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 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
ELIZABETH JENKINS, BOARD CHAIR
MARCUS BACH-ARMAS | JESSICA BRUMLEY | MARC CANNON | ANTHONY CAPPARELLI
ADAM CARLIN | CHRIS CLEMENTS | JOSE DANS | JOHN EDER | TYLER EPP | ERIC FEDER
ERNIE FERNANDEZ | RUDY FERNANDEZ | JARED GALBUT | TOM GARFINKEL
SHERITA HANKS | JONATHAN KINGSLEY | JEFF KLEIN | SIMON LEVINE KELLY MANLEY
STUART MILLER | DR. STEPHEN NIMER | MIKE PAPPAS | JEFF PECK JAELAN PHILLIPS
MYLES PISTORIUS | BEN RIESTRA | ASHLEY SHEA | MARC WEINROTH ERIC ZEITLIN
DCC STAFF
JAVIER SANCHEZ | ABBEY PHELPS | CHRIS PAVON | EBONE JACKSON CELINE DIAZ | SAVANNAH ALDAY
partners
The generous support of DCC partners help ensure that every dollar raised funds cancer research.