A journey born from hope, love and an unwavering desire to advance cancer research in South Florida – Dolphins Cancer Challenge

Dolphins Cancer Challenge shared a post on LinkedIn:

“Letter from the Executive Chair

From the very beginning, our mission has been clear: to fund lifesaving cancer research that offers hope to patients and families not just in South Florida, but across the globe. We started this ride in honor of Miami Dolphins player, Jim “Mad Dog” Mandich, who inspired us with his courageous battle against cancer and his dream to support our local community and cancer center, Sylvester. Fifteen years later, his legacy lives on in each dollar we raise and every mile we ride, walk and run.

The growth of the Dolphins Cancer Challenge (DCC) has been extraordinary. We have evolved from a small, local ride to the largest fundraising event in the NFL. Yet, our story is not told just in numbers. It is reflected in the faces of survivors, the strength of families and the determination of every single participant who joins our cause.

The DCC is more than just a single-day event – it is a movement powered by our dedicated participants, the unwavering commitment of our Board of Advisors, our steadfast collaboration with the Miami Dolphins and the generous support of our corporate and community sponsors.

We are proud to say that 100% of every dollar raised goes directly to Sylvester – and it stays right here in South Florida, funding groundbreaking research, supporting clinical trials and changing lives. This unique commitment continues to set us apart in the charitable landscape. As the only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer center in South Florida, Sylvester offers patients access to cutting-edge therapies and comprehensive care from diagnosis to recovery and beyond.

As we continue to grow as an event, so does our community reach. Through strategic collaborations with partners like the V Foundation, the American Cancer Society and the Children’s Tumor Foundation, we are attracting more resources to Sylvester and bringing more hope to our community. During the 15th anniversary year, we welcomed more than 200 corporate teams and over 100 family teams who made the DCC a cornerstone of their community and charitable giving. These partnerships fuel our momentum and deepen our impact year after year.

Perhaps the most inspiring of all is the growing number of survivors and thrivers who now ride alongside us. This year, more than 500 cancer survivors joined us with over 160 participants taking part in Sylvester’s Believe In You program – empowering cancer survivors to train and complete their DCC route. These survivors are living proof that the dollars we raise are not just funding research – they’re giving people more birthdays, more holidays and more memories with those they love.

Each year we also have the privilege of walking beside truly remarkable people, those who faced cancer with courage and inspired us with their strength. While we mourn the loss of some of these brave souls, their legacy fuels our commitment to this mission. We ride for them. We remember them. We fundraise for them. Their stories are carried with us, and we celebrate the fighters who are still with us today – testaments to the impact of every dollar raised and the power of our mission.

To every participant, every donor, and every volunteer – THANK YOU. Reaching this $15 million milestone was only possible because of your relentless fundraising, your donated time and your unwavering belief in our mission. You are the heart of this movement. You have made the DCC what it is today, and you will help shape what it becomes tomorrow. Together, we are not just raising funds, we are building a future where cancer no longer steals time, memories or lives.

Mark your calendars: DCC XVI will take place on February 28, 2026, and registration will officially open in early August 2025. We cannot wait to ride, run and walk alongside you once again.

Here’s is to 15 years of impact. Here’s to the next mile. Here’s to curing cancer – together.

With deepest gratitude and unwavering hope,

Elizabeth Jenkins

Executive Chair, Board of Advisors

Dolphins Cancer Challenge.”