Dolphins Cancer Challenge and StacheStrong Partnership Advances Brain Cancer Research at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center

A $1 million commitment supports glioblastoma studies at the new Sylvester Brain Tumor Institute.

Dolphins Cancer Challenge (DCC) and StacheStrong have teamed up to raise funds and awareness for brain cancer research. The philanthropic partnership, which commits to contributing $1 million over four years to Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, was formally announced July 17, 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.

DCC, the Miami Dolphins’ year-round cancer initiative and the NFL’s largest fundraising event, and StacheStrong, a non-profit organization devoted to curing brain cancer and improving the quality of patients’ lives, have pledged to support four one-year brain cancer research projects at the new Sylvester Brain Tumor Institute (SBTI), which opened earlier this year.

Tackling a Tough Cancer

As part of Sylvester’s relentless pursuit of better treatment outcomes for difficult-to-treat cancers, the SBTI takes a multi-disciplinary approach bringing together clinicians, surgeons, translational scientists and basic scientists – all experts in brain tumor research and patient care from multiple departments within Sylvester, the region’s only NCI-designated cancer center.

Co-leading the effort is Antonio Iavarone, a world-renowned pediatric neuro-oncologist and expert in glioblastoma.

“This unique partnership between DCC and StacheStrong will support our collaborative efforts as we work to discover new personalized treatments for glioblastoma patients.

Additionally, by studying patient tumor samples, our researchers are gaining a better understanding of how glioblastoma tumors evolve and develop treatment resistance. Armed with this knowledge, we can develop new treatments that prevent cancer from recurring,” – said Dr. Iavarone, Deputy Director of Sylvester, Co-Director of the SBTI and professor of neurological surgery and biochemistry and molecular biology.

StacheStrong Support

Every step toward discovering a cure is welcome news to StacheStrong, which has funded over $5 million of brain cancer research and more than forty clinical trials and research grants since its formation in 2018.

Brothers Colin and GJ Gerner started StacheStrong following GJ’s glioblastoma diagnosis in 2017. Throughout his 25-month journey, growing mustaches and living StacheStrong became the brother’s rallying cry to celebrate GJ’s tenacity and strength. Since his passing in 2019, the Gerner family and StacheStrong have remained committed to honoring GJ’s legacy by supporting scientists working diligently to find a cure for glioblastoma.

“Being in a position to not only provide hope for families and patients diagnosed with glioblastoma but also be a catalyst for change by teaming up with Dolphins Cancer Challenge to support the incredible work Sylvester scientists are doing is something I’m truly passionate about.

I dream of a day when someone diagnosed with glioblastoma doesn’t have to go through what I saw my brother, GJ, endure. I’m confident through this partnership better treatments and a cure are within reach,” – said Colin Gerner, President, CEO and Co-Founder of StacheStrong.

A Winning Team

“The StacheStrong collaboration plays a critical role in advancing the DCC’s mission and life-saving initiatives.

We are proud to support the Gerner family as they honor GJ’s glioblastoma battle by funding targeted research efforts at the new Sylvester Brain Tumor Institute,” – said DCC Executive Director, Javier Sanchez.

This year DCC celebrates its 15th year of uniting the South Florida community to challenge cancer, having raised over $75 million to fund life-saving cancer research at Sylvester.

“The funding through this partnership will go a long way to support Sylvester’s mission to tackle the most challenging cancers, and glioblastoma is high on that list.

Under the leadership of Dr. Iavarone, who has been a leader in brain tumor research for more than 20 years, these research grants from DCC and StacheStrong will provide our physician-scientists with the resources to move the needle and improve outcomes for brain cancer patients,” – said Stephen D. Nimer, Director of Sylvester, Oscar de la Renta Endowed Chair in Cancer Research and Executive Dean for Research at the Miller School.

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