The Miami Dolphins joined forces with the South Florida community for the twelfth annual Dolphins Challenge Cancer (DCC 12), raising funds for innovative cancer research at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of UHealth – the University of Miami Health System. As the NFL’s largest fundraising event, the DCC 12 united a record-breaking 4,483 participants raising more than $7 million under a “one team, one fight” mission with the common goal of challenging cancer in South Florida at Hard Rock Stadium.

“The DCC brings our community together with the common goal of fighting an awful disease that impacts us all,” said Javier Sanchez, Dolphins Challenge Cancer Executive Director. “The need for quality cancer care has never been greater, and we are proud to partner with Sylvester. Over the past 12 years, this special event has created new opportunities for improved cancer treatment in South Florida to which we thank our incredible partners, participants, and donors.”

The popular philanthropic event gained the support of the South Florida community joined by members of the Miami Dolphins organization including Dolphins Head Coach Mike McDaniel and Dolphins players Jesse Davis, Isaiah Ford, Jevon Holland, Mack Hollins, Calvin Munson, Patrick Laird, Jaelan Phillips, Andrew Van Ginkel and Christian Wilkins. Participants were given the opportunity to cycle, run, walk, or volunteer at the event in continuation of fulfilling the DCC’s $75 million commitment, the largest known philanthropic pledge in sports.

“On behalf of our frontline healthcare workers, researchers, and the patients we serve at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, I want to express our appreciation to the Miami Dolphins and all DCC supporters,” said Stephen D. Nimer, M.D., Director of Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and holder of the Oscar de la Renta Endowed Chair in Cancer Research. “It has been my privilege to lead Sylvester over the past decade as it transformed into a National Cancer Institute – designated center, and this year’s event marks my tenth 100-mile ride. The support of this community is unparalleled. Funds raised from the DCC directly contribute to pioneering cancer research and life-saving treatments for our patients.”

The Dolphins Challenge Cancer (DCC) was founded in 2010 by the Miami Dolphins organization as the signature initiative of the Foundation’s health impact area and has become the largest fundraising event in the NFL. The DCC’s purpose is to improve people’s lives through financial support for innovative cancer research at Sylvester, South Florida’s only National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated cancer center. Since its inception, the DCC has raised more than $45 million, donating 100 percent of participant-raised funds to Sylvester.