One Team, One Fight
The Dolphins Cancer Challenge (DCC) is more than a single event — it is a year‑round movement driven by a community united in the fight against cancer. Since 2010, our community has united around one purpose: fueling life‑saving cancer research and care. Through DCC, 100% of participant‐raised funds support Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, South Florida’s only NCI‑designated cancer center. What began as a grassroots cycling ride has grown into the largest fundraiser in the NFL, driven by riders, runners, walkers, captains, partners, survivors, families, and donors who believe progress happens when we fight together.
$100 Million
For 16 years, the DCC has built a legacy of hope, resilience, and action. This year, we crossed a historic threshold: $100 million raised since inception. $100 million isn’t just what we achieved. It reflects who we are. More than a number, it reflects the power of an unstoppable community working together to end cancer.
This is 100.
unique Finish Line Experience
All participants finished at the Miami International Autodrome at Hard Rock Stadium, the same Formula 1 track that hosts the Miami Grand Prix just three months later. Finish times varied throughout the day, but every route ended in the same place. Cyclists completing the 99‑mile ride and participants walking the 5K each crossed the finish line on a world‑class track that is rarely open to the public. This is a finish line experience that doesn’t exist anywhere else.
MORE THAN A RACE
DCC XVI delivered an all‑day experience built for everyone. Team garages became community hubs, the Kids Zone welcomed families, and partner activations brought the venue to life.
RELIVE THE MAGIC OF DCC XVI
STRENGTH IN NUMBERS
DCC XVI was a record‑breaking year that proved what’s possible when this community comes together. With over 10,000 people on site and more than 8,600 participants riding, running, and walking, it marked the largest event in our history — the result of first‑time fundraisers and legacy participants alike fully showing up for the mission.
real stories, shared together
Participants came from different places and stages of life — some returning year after year, others joining for the first time. What they shared was a sense of connection and belonging.
“Being a first‑timer from North Carolina, I realized we’re all on the same team — no matter where we’re from. I met some incredible humans during the event and began some friendships that will last a lifetime.”
"The DCC welcomes the entire family. There’s something meaningful for everyone."
When Game Day Becomes Mission‑Driven
Game days are about more than football for us. As an extension of the Miami Dolphins, the DCC has access to moments and spaces most organizations don’t — using the platform of an NFL team to celebrate survivors, support families impacted by cancer, and bring the mission to life far beyond race day.
#CamdenStrong
Last year, we met Camden Katz, a 9‑year‑old diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma just months before DCC XV. The #CamdenStrong team rallied together in his honor and grew to more than 100 participants, raising over $62,000 for the DCC. Camden completed the 5k while still undergoing treatment and left the DCC community inspired.
This year, Camden’s journey continued beyond the finish line. He and his family were invited to a Miami Dolphins vs. Baltimore Ravens game, where he met some of his favorite players and shared moments of pure joy — memories that will last a lifetime.
Creating Meaningful Moments on Game Day
Camden’s experience is one of many. Each game day, the DCC team works to create meaningful moments for families impacted by cancer — whether it’s welcoming a child who recently completed treatment, honoring a family who has lost a loved one, or helping someone make what may be their last memories with those closest to them. 365 days a year our purpose remains the same: to show up, to support, and to impact lives in real and lasting ways.
Honoring Survivors at Crucial Catch
That mission was especially visible during the Miami Dolphins' annual Crucial Catch game. Survivors are the heart of the DCC — the reason we ride, run, and walk. During halftime, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center physicians and cancer survivors from Sylvester’s Believe In You program took part in an interactive throwing competition, contributing to the survivors’ DCC fundraising goals. The moment culminated with three survivors ringing the Living Proof Bell, symbolizing the completion of treatment and triumph over cancer. Before kickoff, Sylvester Director Stephen D. Nimer, M.D. accepted the DCC XV check presentation on the field, joined by leadership from Sylvester, the Miami Dolphins, the DCC, and its partners — a visible reminder of what this community’s efforts make possible.
Advancing Awareness
Game day also provides a powerful platform for education and prevention. This year, the DCC partnered with Guardant Health to host a colorectal cancer screening activation at Hard Rock Stadium’s Dolphins Fan Zone ahead of the Dolphins–Jaguars preseason matchup.
The activation highlighted the importance of early detection and offered eligible attendees access to Shield™, the first FDA‑approved blood test for colorectal cancer screening — a non‑invasive option designed to reach individuals who may not otherwise get screened. Among those screened was Miami Dolphins legend Nat Moore, who shared his personal commitment to proactive health care and encouraged others to do the same, reinforcing the importance of early detection within the community.
During the 2025 season, Dolphins players and Dolphins cheerleaders engaged in more than 20 of DCC’s community initiatives, connecting them with families impacted by cancer through a series of special events.
Johari’s Story, Carried Forward
Johari was a young patient at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, courageously battling childhood cancer while receiving care at Alex’s Place, Sylvester’s clinic for young patients.
Johari’s story reached the national stage when Miami Dolphins offensive lineman Daniel Brunskill honored her through the NFL’s My Cause My Cleats campaign, wearing custom-designed cleats inspired by her courage and her connection to the Dolphins Cancer Challenge. The tribute served as a powerful reminder of why players, fans, and the DCC community rally around this cause — to stand with families facing cancer.
At DCC XVI, Johari’s legacy continued as her parents participated in her honor. Their presence reflected the enduring bond between the DCC and the families it supports — a reminder that this community shows up not just in moments of celebration, but in remembrance as well. Johari’s legacy lives on through her family. Her story continues to inspire purpose, compassion, and action — reinforcing why the Dolphins Cancer Challenge exists.
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
Media Highlights
- Mentions: 568
- Impressions: 197,257,073
- Ad Value: $2,276,000
total impact
What began as a grassroots effort has grown into something extraordinary. From raising $500,000 in our first year to $18 million at DCC XVI, the power of this community continues to amaze us. In just 16 years, the Dolphins Cancer Challenge has become the largest annual fundraiser in the NFL — surpassing $100 million raised for lifesaving cancer research.
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. With cancer, it’s typically when, not if, someone is impacted.
Empowering survivors
The "Believe in You" program at Sylvester, led by Dr. Tracy Crane, 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.
where breakthrough begins
DCC support helped make the Kenneth C. Griffin Cancer Research Building a reality — a state‑of‑the‑art hub that doubled Sylvester’s research footprint and strengthened its ability to attract world‑class physicians and scientists. Designed to accelerate discovery and clinical translation, the building fosters collaboration between researchers and clinicians, speeding the movement of breakthroughs from the laboratory to patient care. Donor investment in the Griffin Building continues to drive innovation and shape the future of cancer treatment.
Investing in Pediatric Caner
DCC funding supports groundbreaking pediatric brain tumor research led by Dr. Antonio Iavarone, advancing the understanding of aggressive childhood cancers and helping drive the development of more effective, less toxic therapies tailored for young patients. In 2026, the commitment deepened with the creation of the SebastionStrong Dolphins Cancer Challenge Endowed Chair for Pediatric Cancer Research, held by Aditi Dhir, M.D. Supported by the SebastianStrong Foundation and the DCC, the chair fuels highly targeted research on helping children not only survive cancer, but thrive beyond it.
the DCC inspires ...
Lead by Captains
The DCC Captains are the engine behind year-round growth. Each season begins with the Captain Summit, where leaders come together to align on purpose and set the tone for the year ahead. Captains inspire teammates, mobilize their communities, and transform personal motivation into collective success.
the heart of DCC told by our captains
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.
50+ 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 Dan Marino joined 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 $394,000 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 $2.7 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 | JORDAN BARGAS | BRAXTON BERRIOS | JESSICA BRUMLEY | ADAM CARLIN | CHRIS CLEMENTS | JOSE DANS | CHRISTIAN DUNGL | ERIC FEDER | RUDY FERNANDEZ | JARED GALBUT | TOM GARFINKEL | JASON GREEN | SHERITA HANKS | JEN HIGGINS | ELIZABETH JENKINS | JONATHAN KINGSLEY | JEFF KLEIN | STUART MILLER | STEPHEN NIMER, M.D | MIKE PAPPAS | PATRICK PAUL | JEFF PECK | MYLES PISTORIUS | BEN RIESTRA | ASHLEY SHEA | VANESSA WALKER| MALIK WASHINGTON | MARC WEINROTH | ERIC ZEITLIN
DCC STAFF
SAVANNAH ALDAY | CELINE DIAZ | GRACE HERBA | EBONE JACKSON | ELIZABETH JENKINS | CHRIS PAVON | JAVIER SANCHEZ
partners
The generous support of DCC partners help ensure that every dollar raised funds cancer research.