The UF Health Cancer Center is proud to be a part of a community that moves cancer care and research forward. It is this community that helps shape and guide our mission — to prevent, detect and treat cancer — and brings new therapies to patients through philanthropic investments. Together, we have unstoppable momentum.

The UF Health Cancer Center Leadership Council plays a critical role for the center by increasing public awareness of its mission. Made up of approximately 20 volunteers from the local community, as well as Sarasota and Orlando, in addition to foundations that support the UFHCC such as Climb for Cancer, Stop Children’s Cancer and the Ocala Royal Dames for Cancer Research, the members of UFHCC Leadership Council are advocates for the center, hosting events and providing opportunities for faculty to interact with the public. In raising awareness, the council’s mission dovetails with the UF Health Cancer Center Office of Development’s efforts to secure philanthropic support through excellent service and stewardship to donors, patients and the entire community.

To ensure patient- and family-centered care, the UF Health Cancer Center relies on the input of its Patient and Family Advisory Council, a volunteer group of individuals whose lives have all been touched by cancer. Partnering with physicians and staff, the council helps improve the patient experience at UF Health by providing feedback in a number of key areas.

During the event, UF Health CEO Ed Jimenez and Stop Children’s Cancer president Chris Conner signed a $1 million pledge that will support pediatric clinical trials, including a novel clinical trial focused on improving the cure rates for children with osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma. UF Health is honored to receive support from Stop Children’s Cancer, a local nonprofit organization committed to the prevention, control and cure of cancer in children.

In October, residents enjoyed a dachshund-only race, an all-breeds costume contest and trail dog walk in this second annual event at Westside Park. All proceeds went to the Climb for Cancer Foundation, a local nonprofit that supports cancer patients and their families at UF Health.

In 2016, more than 500 staff members, friends and family from UF Health participated in Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, a national awareness walk hosted by the American Cancer Society. Teams from UF Health raised more than $20,000.

This annual charity bike ride in Gainesville raises money to support research at UF Health related to treatment-resistant breast cancers. The event was cofounded in 2010 by Barb Wills, who at age 7 lost her mother to breast cancer.

Community members saddled up for the sixth annual Cops Against Cancer Trail Ride, hosted by the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office at San Felasco Hammock State Park. Proceeds benefited the Climb for Cancer Foundation, supporting UF Health cancer patients and their families.

Runners burned calories for a cause in Haile Plantation in the spring. Afterward, they enjoyed refreshments and entertainment. All proceeds from the race benefits the Climb for Cancer Foundation, which supports cancer patients and their families at UF Health.

Panera Bread employees presented a check raised by proceeds from the annual Panera Goes Pink fundraising event. A portion of October bagel sales from Gainesville, Ocala and The Villages went toward the UF Health Cancer Center Women’s Cancer Research Fund.

In July, Survivors for Research, a local nonprofit, hosted Tea for a Cure, a fundraising event that benefits triple-negative breast cancer research. Guests enjoyed tea as well as a “best hat” competition.

In September, Joey’s Wings Foundation provided origami cranes to display in the UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital Sebastian Ferrero Atrium to commemorate Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The cranes represent the approximately 2,000 children who pass away from childhood cancers in the U.S. each year.

Held in the spring, the Tiara Ball is the signature annual event of the Ocala Royal Dames for Cancer Research — a charitable organization comprising 200-plus women that is focused on supporting cancer research and education. A portion of the proceeds from the event went to support UF Health research in several areas, including pediatric hematology-oncology, breast cancer, prostate cancer and acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The theme of the 30th annual Tiara Ball was historic royal palaces.