At the UF Health Cancer Center, teamwork is at the center of everything we do. Our patients have a team of providers and caregivers in their corner, helping them through every step of their cancer battle. The UF Heath Cancer Center Office of Development has a team in its corner as well — our robust network of community partners who have joined the fight against cancer:
Climb for Cancer Foundation
The Climb for Cancer Foundation was founded in 2003 by Ron and Dianne Farb, following Ron’s sister’s breast cancer diagnosis. Today, this nonprofit organizes group climbs around the world, on summits such as Mt. Kilimanjaro and some a bit closer to home. Climb for Cancer primarily raises funds for patient-focused initiatives at UF Health. To date, Climb for Cancer has raised more than $2 million while helping donors enjoy adventurous excursions.
Ocala Royal Dames
The Ocala Royal Dames’ mission is to support educational programs and activities that promote, enhance and further cancer research and education on a local and regional level. Comprising more than 240 women from the local community, the Dames host a number of events throughout the year to fund their philanthropic mission, including the Tiara Ball. To date, the Dames have provided more than $1.5 million in research support to UF, as well as support for continuing medical education for residents and clinicians.
Stop Children’s Cancer
Stop Children’s Cancer is a local nonprofit organization committed to the prevention, control and cure of childhood cancers. The organization was founded in 1981 by Bonnie R. Freeman, her parents Howard and Laurel, and her sister Carolyne. Bonnie told her family that her goal was to raise $1 million to fight childhood cancers, so that other children and families wouldn’t have to suffer. In the 42+ year history of Stop Children’s Cancer, over $7 million has been contributed for pediatric cancer research, helping to double the number of physicians in clinical trials and boosting cure rates. As a result of the organization’s early donations of seed money to UF, more than $23 million in funding has been secured by doctors and researchers at the UF Health Cancer Center.
