Tag: Dolphins Challenge Cancer

Dolphins Challenge Cancer rides to major victory over weekend

Dolphins Challenge Cancer raises over $12 million.

The 2024 NFL offseason is underway, yet, over the weekend at Hard Rock Stadium, One Team came together for One Fight, which is more important than what you can find on a scoreboard or boxscore.

Dolphins Challenge Cancer held its 14th annual event on Saturday, and it was a massive hit. The DCC stands as the largest fundraising event in the NFL and represents the largest known philanthropic pledge in all professional sports.

The #OneTeamOneFight mentality has the Miami Dolphins partnered with the University of Miami and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, as well as thousands of participants and donors.

Thanks to the outstanding efforts by the Dolphins organization, the DCC, as well as countless fans who helped this cause with their fundraising and awareness efforts. Most notably for many, superfan Lisa Siegel. Siegel has always been a die-hard Dolphins and Miami Hurricanes fan and her ties to both organizations run in her family. Her father began working at the University of Miami in 1966, and she followed in her dad’s footsteps, as she’s worked for the university since 1989.

Her connection to the DCC deepened when her mom was diagnosed with stage IV Peritoneal Cancer. Siegel lost her mother just 17 days after she was admitted to the hospital. She is one of the many “Heavy-Hitter” fundraisers, and she alone was responsible for raising over $26,000 for this year from 530 donations, in part of the $12 million total that was raised this DCC to combat cancer.

Whether it was riding a bike, running, or walking to support this cause, the Miami Dolphins family was in full force, with ownership, current and former players, and, of course, a Hall of Famer or two.

Sending the bikers off on the 54-mile ride was none other than number 54 himself, Zach Thomas. Miami’s latest enshrine to Canton, as well as fellow immortals Dan Marino, Larry Csonka and Jason Taylor, all had their respective numbers match certain legs of the rides, those being 13 miles, 39 miles and 99 miles.

To no surprise, Thomas was dressed, ready to ride and among the best finishers. He even had time to mess around with unrestricted free-agent defensive tackle Christian Wilkins. Following the rides, Thomas and Wilkins laughed it up, as participants had a chance to relax after their rides and mingle with Dolphins past and present.

Of course, the metaphorical elephant in the room is what will happen with Wilkins contractually. While that is a conversation for another piece, seeing Wilkins participate was not just encouraging for his potential return but also a testament to the quality person he is.

The same can be said about former Dolphin Mack Hollins, who again participated as a bike rider, as he did last year. Recently let go defensive assistant coach and Dolphins legend Sam Madison also rode in support on Saturday. Legendary wide receiver Mark Duper returned to the event while owner Stephen Ross, president Tom Garfinkel and head coach Mike McDaniel were all on hand as well.

If you’re looking for inspiration and motivation on top of all of this dedication, look no further than Jaelan Phillips. The edge rusher who suffered a torn Achilles against the New York Jets on Black Friday in November was at the DCC, walking, talking and being the fantastic person he has proven to be.

Phillips stopped by to chat with Dolphin podcasters Seth Levit of “The Fish Tank” and Travis Wingfield of “DriveTime,” and his mere presence was a jolt of energy for Dolphin fans eagerly waiting for his return to the field.

Levit summed up the conversation, saying, “Jaelan is truly a special individual. Because of his upbringing, as well as the adversity he’s had to face with respect to overcoming some significant injuries, we’re seeing a guy with a much broader perspective than most people have at 24 years old. As a result, you’ve got a young player who is one of the most gifted and relentlessly driven athletes you will find on a football field, yet he somehow manages to bring that same energy to his work in the community. It’s uncanny, and we are all very lucky to have him representing the Miami Dolphins.”

In regards to the DCC, Levit added, “This year’s DCC was electric. Thousands of people flooded Hard Rock Stadium for one altruistic reason, and it was a beautiful sight. From the F1 starting line to the integration of the Paddock garages to seeing Dan Marino, Zach Thomas, of course, my guy O.J. McDuffie, and so many others come together for a singular purpose was inspirational, to say the least. How can we not appreciate the Miami Dolphins for building the largest fundraising event in the entire National Football League?”

Through all the fundraising and awareness, the DCC could be looked at as one of sports most successful and important philanthropic events and entities. The 2024 DCC increased that overall fundraising total to over $75 million since the event began in 2010, and kudos to Executive Director Javier Sanchez and his team within a team.

In addition to Siegel, pillars of the event like past Fans of the Year, Ian Berger, Marc Angelo and Allie Goodman were present and integral in helping spread awareness and are constant supporters and advocates of the DCC and all things Dolphins philanthropy. Also in attendance was the founder of one of the top fan groups in this base, Danny Johnson of The Positive Porpoise.

Berger, who represented the Dolphins as 2020 Fan of the Year and continues to be a beacon for this fanbase, is a consistent advocate of the DCC. “Dolphins Challenge Cancer represents the best in all of us,” he said in a direct message. “Thousands of participants raising funds that could potentially help millions is an emotional and rewarding experience!”

Angelo, the 2021 Dolphins Fan of the Year, heads the NorCal DolFan Club, a proud fundraiser for DCC riding for Team Positive Porpoise. He said, “TPP is almost to $71,000 raised this year and $280,000+ in the four years supporting DCC.” The NDC has supported DCC for nine years and has been on Team TPP for the last three years, riding in the event.

Goodman, the 2022 FOTY for the Dolphins, also known as “Dolphreaky,” said, “The way this community comes together in the fight against cancer is second to none! To see people from all walks of life riding and walking amongst those who have fought and actively fight cancer is so rewarding.”

A great advocate of the team and their endeavors, Goodman added, “The Miami Dolphins did an absolutely fantastic job creating a top-notch event that was even better than in years past. The DCC continues to grow every year, and everyone should consider getting involved!”

In a sport where wins and losses on the field judge success, sometimes, the best victories come off the field. In the case of the Miami Dolphins and the DCC, 2024 was another major win.

Congratulations to the Dolphins, Sanchez, the DCC, as a whole, and all who participated.

Images and inspirations from Dolphins Challenge Cancer

South Florida showed out when it came to charity this weekend.

As it goes with cycling or anything moving forward, once you get momentum, it could be challenging to slow down; especially when crossing the finish line is so important.

The Dolphins Challenge Cancer ride/walk was a massive success over the weekend. In its 13th year, the Miami Dolphins organization raised over $10 million this weekend alone, all going to cancer research at the University of Miami’s Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Dolphins players, alumni, employees, and an ocean’s worth of fans and supporters gathered at Hard Rock Stadium from as early as 4:00 am on Saturday morning. Upon entering the event, a large 88 was painted on the pavement and this is to honor Dolphins’ legend Jim “Mad Dog” Mandich. The Dolphins Cancer Challenge was created in 2010 to support the former tight end who would become the official “voice of the Miami Dolphins.”

All Dolphins fans can hear his catchphrase in their heads, “ALRIGHT, MI-AMI!!” Mandich battled bile duct cancer and passed away in 2011, while his memory is forever emblazoned on the rider’s sleeves as well as in our hearts and minds.

It is in his, and so many fighters’ honor that riders and walkers participated, donated and documented this phenomenal event. There is more time to donate, as the overall tally from this event’s inception has surpassed a whopping $70 million to help combat this disease that has affected so many.

In what was a truly momentous and memorable day, the images and social media activity during and following the event was part of the fun.

Dolphins Challenge Cancer raises event-record $10 million over weekend

What an incredible turnout for a great cause!

Prior to the sun rising on Saturday morning above the pristine sight of Hard Rock Stadium, the 13th Annual Dolphins Challenge Cancer event sent its first wave of cyclists to begin a 100-mile ride. 

Since 2010, the DCC has contributed more than $53 million to cancer research at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, not even including this year’s rolling tally, which goes through March.

The DCC stands as the largest fundraising event in the NFL and represents the largest known philanthropic pledge in all professional sports. In what is truly a #OneTeamOneFight mentality, the Miami Dolphins have partnered with the University of Miami and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and the 2023 ride and walk had a record of over 5,000 participants and donors. 

The event had waves of 100, 55, 35, and 15 miles for the cyclists, and there was a 5K walk as well. Highlighting the 55-mile ride, was No. 54 himself, Hall of Famer, Zach Thomas. 

Once again, Hall of Famer, Zach Thomas. 

It’s to be noted that Thomas was certainly one of the stars of the event, as even DCC Executive Director, Javier Sanchez recognized him prior to starting the ride saying, “our very own, Hall-of-Famer, Zach Thomas.” Hundreds of fans had conversations with Thomas, took selfies, and enjoyed some well-earned food and beverages. 

Thomas’ draft-class-mate from 1996 defensive back Shawn Wooden, was among the participants as was former Dolphin, and current defensive assistant coach, Sam Madison.

The event essentially had a 53-man roster of Dolphins players past and present support this initiative. In a surprise appearance, former Dolphins fan favorite, wide-receiver, and special teamer, Mack Hollins made a return ride to Miami Gardens and the DCC. Hollins was even a board member of this event and returned to continue his support. This is a testament to Hollins, as he played in Las Vegas for the Raiders in the 2022 season, however still supports this great cause. When getting a chance to speak with Hollins, and inquiring if there is a potential of a return to Hard Rock Stadium, his answer was simply not a no. 

Additionally, fans of all ages and generations were able to speak to and share stories with Dolphin legends such as Mark Duper, Nat Moore and John Offerdahl in the “Heavy Hitters” tent for the top fundraisers.

As for the current Dolphins, among the supporters and riders, rising star pass-rusher, Jaelan Phillips was a 100-mile rider, to no shock to anyone.  Along with Phillips, fellow defenders like Christian Wilkins and Jevon Holland were in cycling gear. Skylar Thompson participated as well, and even dropped by “The Fish Tank,” where co-hosts of the popular Dolphins podcast Seth Levit and former Dolphins great O.J. McDuffie chatted with the quarterback, fresh off his rookie season. 

Adding a 5K walk to this event, many more participants sans bike were treated to a send-off by Head Coach Mike McDaniel, who remarkably was wearing a sweatsuit, and most assuredly had a killer pair of kicks to match. 

Coach worked the microphone energizing the crowd saying, “are we ready to walk with a lot of intent, real fast! I can’t tell you enough how inspiring this fan base is, your support is real and everybody in the organization, players included.”

McDaniel hit on the core message of the event, and the community by saying this effort, “is truly one team.” McDaniel walked among the fans and supporters and participants in the 5K and didn’t seem to break a sweat despite the attire.

Introducing McDaniel, Dolphins VP/CEO Tom Garfinkel addressed the crowd as well. “Thank you to everybody, congratulations, for the first time ever, the DCC is going to raise over $10 Million for the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.”

Over $10 Million over the weekend. 

In what was a remarkable and poignant experience for so many, the effort and dedication the DCC puts into fighting cancer is nothing short of inspirational. Philanthropy and charity have been the cornerstones of the Dolphins organization from an off-field standpoint and among sports best.

It goes to what Garfinkel said the second he was introduced by Sanchez, “we fight cancer together, you don’t have to have cancer to fight cancer.”

There is still time to donate and support this amazing cause, as the fundraising continues through March. It was an honor to personally walk among some amazing fans and supporters of the team and the DCC, and for those who participated and donated, thank you on behalf of everyone who has been directly or indirectly affected by cancer.

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Dolphins Challenge Cancer event rides in February

The initiative raised over $8 million in 2022.

The Miami Dolphins have a rich tradition of football success, having gone to five Super Bowls, winning two and being unbeaten during their 1972 championship run. In a sport and world where nothing is ever “perfect,” the Dolphins’ organization can refute that.

Along with the past accolades, trophies and 10 players/coaches in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the Dolphins organization has always been a leader in football and sport in philanthropy.

When legendary coach Don Shula came to South Florida in 1970, he brought more than his football IQ and “12-minute run.” He brought an aspect of community and charity to Miami and football overall, as he was integral in many foundations and philanthropic efforts.

Taking a hand-off from coach Shula, even decades later, has been the Dolphins’ efforts recently in their Football Unites program, their Salute to Service initiatives and their work with the Junior Dolphins program.

However, 13 years ago, the Dolphins created one of their most impactful initiatives yet – Dolphins Challenge Cancer. The signature initiative of the Miami Dolphins Foundation since 2010, the DCC has contributed more than $53 million to cancer research at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. The DCC stands as the largest fundraising event in the NFL and represents the largest known philanthropic pledge in all professional sports.

“We are incredibly grateful for the amazing partnership we have with the Miami Dolphins,” 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. “The extraordinary vision of the Dolphins organization to come alongside Sylvester and raise millions of dollars annually for impactful cancer research has allowed us to discover and provide innovative, life-saving treatments for so many in our community.”

Cancer is a plague that’s directly or indirectly affected far too many and is a topic close to home here as well as for many around the world. There’s no discrimination, age, gender or religious bias with the disease, and what the Dolphins have done is help combat this with their community.

This community has individuals who have dedicated portions of their life, if not their sole driving motivator, to help the Dolphins do their part in the hopeful eradication of this disease.

The money raised by the DCC comes from efforts within the foundation, as well as an amazing community of Dolphins fans who get on their bikes and/ or support others in their rides, to raise as much money as possible.

Players, past and present, coaches, employees of the organization and many amazing fans decked out in orange and aqua riding gear are preparing for the annual event. The DCC XIII is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, and will feature a cycling, running and walking event led by its iconic 100-mile ride.

One of the riders who has been a champion of this foundation and event is Lisa Siegel. Recently featured as one of the Faces of the DCC, Siegel has helped raise money with her avid cycling and unparalleled social media support.

Siegel has always been a die-hard Dolphins and Miami Hurricanes fan, and her ties to both organizations run in her family. Her father began working at the University of Miami in 1966, and she followed in her dad’s footsteps, as she’s worked for the university since 1989.

Her connection to the DCC deepened when her mom was diagnosed with stage IV Ovarian Cancer. Siegel lost her mother just 17 days after she was admitted to the hospital.

“Without setbacks, there are no comebacks,” she said. It has been her mission to carry on her mother’s legacy at every Dolphins Challenge Cancer, and what she’s done is inspirational and admirable and has surely made her family proud.

Siegel is proud of her participation and always wears her DCC gear to bring attention and awareness to the event.

“It’s a great conversation piece and people are constantly telling me that they love my jersey, and where did I get it,” she stated.

Siegel is one of the many who have helped grow this foundation and initiative from raising $533,106 in 2010 with 411 participants, to a massive $8,412,556 in 2022, with more than 10-fold the number of participants from its inaugural ride.

“This is a big win for everyone in the community and we are grateful to the numerous supporters of DCC 12 who came together to raise this incredible contribution. These $8.4 million will directly affect Sylvester’s efforts to thrive as a lifesaving cancer center,” Miami Dolphins Challenge Cancer Executive Director Javier Sanchez said. “Hosting another successful and record-breaking DCC is an honor for the Miami Dolphins, and we are eager to see the South Florida community for DCC XIII at Hard Rock Stadium on February 25, 2023.”

Collectively, the DCC riders have pedaled over one million miles in the journey to beat cancer.

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Wilkins helps tackle cancer with Dolphins

On Saturday, the Miami Dolphins held their annual fundraiser, the Dolphins Challenge Cancer ride, to support those in the fight against cancer. The DCC event consists of a handful of bike routes through South Florida, along with a run/walk 5K, and …

On Saturday, the Miami Dolphins held their annual fundraiser, the Dolphins Challenge Cancer ride, to support those in the fight against cancer.

The DCC event consists of a handful of bike routes through South Florida, along with a run/walk 5K, and raises money for cancer research.

Among those who participated in the 12th annual event is former Clemson star and current Miami Dolphins defensive lineman Christian Wilkins.

Wilkins completed the 50-mile bike ride and was met at the finish line by new Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel.

Check out video and pictures of Wilkins from the event below:

Clemson Variety & Frame is doing their part to help bring you some classic new barware and help one of the local businesses that helps make Clemson special.

Order your Nick’s barware and do your part to help.  #SaveNicks

Dolphins Challenge Cancer fundraiser sets record with $6.3M raised

Dolphins Challenge Cancer fundraiser sets record with $6.3M raised

Each year, the Miami Dolphins Challenge Cancer fundraiser looks to raise the bar for raising funds for cancer research. This past year’s event was the eleventh consecutive year in which the Dolphins have put on their annual event — with proceeds going to Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. This past November, the Dolphins released a statement committing $75 million to cancer research— and this year’s Dolphins Challenge Cancer event will go a long way in helping to see that commitment through.

According to a release from the event, a record of $6.3 million in funds have been raised over the past year in the name of cancer research; with over 200 teams of participants and over 30,000 separate donations provided.

Even amid a global pandemic, the Dolphins’ fight to combat cancer never wavered — an objective outlined by Miami Dolphins Vice Chairman and CEO Tom Garfinkel back in November when the team released their statement and pledge for $75 million.

“At a time when our country is facing economic and medical hardships, the health and well-being of the South Florida community, including those affected by cancer, remains a top area of focus for our community efforts,” said Garfinkel. “We continue to be inspired by the high-level research and patient care at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and are proud to expand our support.”

Efforts like this are why the Dolphins took home the honors in the NFL’s Huddle For 100 Club Competition in February of 2020. The team has been steadfast in efforts to provide positive impact in the South Florida community. And now, the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center (a part of the University of Miami Health System) gets their biggest donation yet in over a decade of donations as a result of the Dolphins’ biggest and most involved fundraiser of the year.

Dolphins’ annual cancer fundraiser underway after hitting surreal mark

Dolphins’ annual cancer fundraiser underway after hitting surreal mark

Five million dollars. That’s the amount of money that has been raised thus far (and counting) for the Miami Dolphins’ annual fundraiser to help combat cancer. This is the eleventh year of the Dolphins holding such an event in South Florida — but the second decade of the event is kicking off with a different focus. According to a statement from the team this past November, in which the Dolphins pledged a $75 million commitment to Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, the event’s focus is on “one team, one fight”.

“At a time when our country is facing economic and medical hardships, the health and well-being of the South Florida community, including those affected by cancer, remains a top area of focus for our community efforts,” said Miami Dolphins Vice Chairman and CEO Tom Garfinkel in November as a part of the team’s statement.

And this morning the Dolphins and all of the South Floridians to take part in this year’s Dolphins Challenge Cancer event hit the ground running. Or, pedaling. As of November, the Dolphins’ efforts in cancer research fundraising had exceeded $39M — and this year’s effort appears to be poised to challenge for the highest figure of funds raised to date.

Anyone interested in following along with the Dolphins Challenge Cancer event today may do so courtesy of the Dolphins’ live-stream of the event:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s704XSzMiWc