Building a New Frontier in Cancer Care
Diane Siegel helps support innovative research in memory of her husband
By Debby Teich
Photograph by Sonya Revell
Diane Siegel’s philanthropy will support research at Sylvester.
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Diane Siegel and her late husband, Irving Siegel, both had successful careers. Diane worked in fashion and interior design. Irving was a self-made entrepreneur and forerunner in the field of direct marketing. When they moved from New York to Miami 26 years ago, they began donating their time and money to support local philanthropic endeavors, including at the University of Miami.
Not long after they arrived, Irving was diagnosed with leukemia. Immediately, they sought help from Stephen D. Nimer, M.D., the director of Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, executive dean for research and the Oscar de la Renta Endowed Chair in Cancer Research at the Miller School, who treated Irving for 10 years until he lost his battle with the disease.
“Our experience at Sylvester was exceptional,” Diane Siegel said. “Dr. Nimer is knowledgeable and compassionate and does not stop until he finds the answers. It is not surprising that many of the best doctors in the country are working with him at Sylvester.”
In gratitude, she has made a generous donation to support the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center – Transformational Cancer Research Building and to name the Diane and Irving Siegel Hematology/Oncology Waiting Room at Sylvester.
“Diane Siegel’s extraordinary generosity will set the stage for a new frontier in cancer care,” said Dr. Nimer. “The new building will give our team of renowned cancer experts the space to accelerate breakthrough research and find the cures for cancer. She has our sincerest appreciation.” 
