Members of the UM Team at the DCC (2019)
At the first Dolphin Cycling Challenge, Jim “Mad Dog” Mandach, who had led the Miami Dolphins on and off the field as a player then as the voice the team, was then suffering from Bile Duct cancer cut the ribbon (photo bottom). That first year, 411 cyclists participated and raised $533,106. Leading the Dolphins Cancer Challenge in 2019 (photo top right) was Dr. Stephen Nimer of the Sylvester Cancer Center joined by Mack Cycle’s Rachel Losada. In those intervening years since 2010, there have been 22,886 entrants and a total of $32.5 million has been raised for the cancer research.
Dolphin Cycling Challenge 2010
Riding for “Mad Dog” and his spirit leading the way the Miami Dolphins organization empowers the South Florida community to ride, run, walk and volunteer in the Dolphins Cancer Challenge to raise funds which are donated at 100% for innovative cancer research. #88 represents the number worn by Mandich which is displayed on the back of each rider’s jersey in honor of the Dolphins’ great.
Ride rolls over the causeway to Miami Beach.
Renamed the Dolphins Cancer Challenge in 2015, Tom Garfinkel, Miami Dolphins President & CEO says: “The Miami Dolphins are committed to fighting cancer. By changing our name to the Dolphins Cancer Challenge and adding new elements to the event, we are hoping to expand our reach by asking everyone in our community to be a cancer fighter and help us raise funds that go directly to fighting the disease/”
DOLPHINS – UM/SYLVESTER PARTNERSHIP
“The incredible partnership that we have built with the Miami Dolphins is approaching its first decade,” Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center Director Stephen D. Nimer, M.D. said. “As we look to the future, we are grateful for all the support we have had from the Dolphins Cancer Challenge and our incredible community. We have been able to grow critically important research programs at Sylvester and lead cancer prevention and treatment efforts that are changing the way cancer is treated in our country, and around the world. We have been able to innovate and contribute to the health of our community, helping cancer patients live longer, with better quality of life. Our success has led the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to honor Sylvester by awarding us NCI-designation, making us the only NCI-designated cancer center in South Florida. As we start preparing for DCC 10, we are committed to conducting even more cancer research and making more discoveries that save lives.”
Mary Jane Mark
Mack Cycle has supported the DCC since the very first event in 2010. Mack Cycle’s Mary Jane Mark noted “you can see what can be accomplished and having such a direct impact in the community.” The Mack Cycle team has raised some $570,000 over the past ten years, and is poised to raise $200,000 this year with a growing team, now at 163, as SOMI goes to print. Mary Jane commented how exceptional it is to meet and ride with the doctors and staff at Sylvester. “They have such great dedication to their work and to this cause.”
In 2019, a 5K Walk/Run was held at Hard Rock Stadium and had 1,436 entrants.
Dr. Stephen Nimer
INSPIRATIONAL RIDE
Dr. Stephen Nimer, M.D., has been the Director of the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. “When I moved to Miami and learned of the Dolphins Cancer Challenge, I bought myself a road bike, at Mack Cycle; I have been joyfully riding my bike ever since. Miami is such a beautiful city and I enjoy riding throughout Miami Beach and Miami, especially trips to Key Biscayne. I am currently training for the 100-mile bike ride on February 29, 2020 to raise funds for DCCX. I try to ride both Saturdays and Sunday mornings, and squeeze in 90 to 100 miles each weekend. The DCC ride is an amazing experience. It is very inspiring for me to ride with my colleagues, with Sylvester supporters, and most importantly, with the many cancer survivors who participate in the event. It is been an incredible partnership between Sylvester and the Miami Dolphins. By riding the maximum distance, I hope to inspire my colleagues and the community to participate and continue to raise awareness and dollars for cancer research.”
DOLPHINS CANCER CHALLENGE – RIDE. WALK/RUN. VOLUNTEER
DCC 10 is scheduled to take place Feb. 29, 2020 and will include five bike routes throughout South Florida, a run/walk 5K and a Finish Line Festival presented by Moss Construction. These initiatives align with the Miami Dolphins Foundation’s commitment towards leveling the playing field through the power of teamwork to inspire a healthier, more educated and united South Florida Community. For additional information, call (305) 943-6799 or visit www. DolphinsCancerChallenge.com.
