MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – Miami Dolphins wide receiver Allen Hurns and linebacker Raekwon McMillan visited pediatric cancer patients at alex’s place at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center to sign autographs, take photos and distribute gifts in recognition of World Cancer Day on Tuesday, Feb. 4.
“To see these kids with great energy goes to show that whatever you are going through in life may not be as bad as it seems because they are going through a lot more in here while keeping a smile on their faces and it shows that by keeping a positive mindset we can work through anything,” McMillan said. “It feels good to come back and the kids actually remember my face and some of the conversations we’ve had last time we are bringing them back up so I like coming back to check on them to see how they are doing.”
The Dolphins have visited alex’s place multiple times over the years. The patients, ranging from 6-18 years old and all of whom are receiving treatment for cancer and blood diseases, had the opportunity to interact and take photos with Hurns and McMillan.
“It makes us feel good knowing that people care about us just to spend time because we are here twice a week so it’s a good breakup of the week so we can have a little fun while we are here,” Kimberly Perry said.
“The fact that they chose to come here and provide their support is very emotional and uplifting for the kids fighting cancer as well as the staff and I think it’s a great reflection of the Miami Dolphins team and the spirit that these players have,” Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center Director Stephen Nimer, MD, said.
This visit is in advance of the Miami Dolphins annual Dolphins Cancer Challenge, the DCC 10, slated for Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. This marks the tenth edition of the popular community event that raises funds for innovative cancer research at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, a part of UHealth — the University of Miami Health System. The signature event will include five bike routes through South Florida and a run/walk 5K presented by Ambetter – extending the opportunity for cancer fighters to be of all ages and all capabilities.
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. Sylvester is now among the top cancer centers in the United States and joins a highly select group as one of only two NCI-designated cancer centers in the state of Florida and one of just 71 across the nation. Since its inception, the DCC has raised more than $32.5 million, donating 100 percent of participant-raised funds to Sylvester. These initiatives align with the Miami Dolphins Foundation’s commitment of leveraging the power of sports and entertainment to inspire a healthier, more educated and united South Florida community.
For additional information, call (305) 943-6799 or visit www. DolphinsCancerChallenge.com.
—D OLPHINS—
