Cancer.
Just the mention of the word strikes fear into the hearts of nearly everyone.
But there’s an event coming up that will give you a chance to strike back and support the work of front-line doctors and researchers in the battle against the disease.
It’s the Dolphins Cycling Challenge V, and event chairman Richard A. Berkowitz stopped by to tell us that the goal this year is to raise $6 million for the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, which is part of the University of Miami Health System.
Berkowitz said 100% of the money raised will go directly to Sylvester.
“100% for local research in our community by highly qualified scientists, doctors. Great people who are working every single day to find cures for cancer and even more important better therapies to help people live longer,” he said.
Berkowitz is Chief Executive Officer of Berkowitz Pollack Brant Advisors and Accountants and Chairman of Provenance Wealth Advisors. And he’s no stranger to peddling good causes. He actually started raising money in cycling events for cancer research 25 years ago in Massachusetts.
He noted that there are some 41 comprehensive cancer centers in the United States designated by the National Cancer Institute. Many states have more than one. Some have several.
Florida has one, and it’s Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa. Berkowitz said it’s time South Florida had a comprehensive cancer center, too.
“We need to raise the bar on cancer research in our community. We want to raise the bar on cancer care in our community,” he said.
“We want to attract better scientists. We want to attract better doctors. We want to attract all of the grants that come with a National Cancer Institute accreditation.”
Sylvester is doing its part, Berkowitz said, but the community has to be engaged with the institution and helping the institution in order to attract the attention of the NCI. That’s what the Dolphins Cycling Challenge is all about, and Berkowitz said he credits event CEO Michael Mandich with helping to make the DCC what it is today.
The event is Feb. 7 and 8, with a Friday night kickoff on Feb. 6 at Dolphins Stadium featuring famed Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino. Six bicycle rides – from 13 miles to 170 miles – are available, plus a 5k walk.
The registration deadline is Jan. 25. At this point, some 3,000 participants are out raising money, Berkowitz said, but you don’t have to volunteer or ride to be a part of this effort. Just visit ridedcc.com and donate to this worthy cause.
Click here to listen to the full interview with Richard A. Berkowitz, chairman of the Dolphins Cycling Challenge V.
