Inspired by their parents’ battles with cancer, three 15-year-old students at Saint Andrew’s school have raised funds for cancer research at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. The experience sparked a passion for philanthropy that the boys plan to pursue into the future.
G. Ed Williamson II learned philanthropy from his family at a young age and has continued the practice nearly 50 years later. Williamson’s most recent donation to Bascom Palmer Eye Institute helped purchase leading-edge devices that enhance precision during eye surgery. This type of philanthropy is critical for accelerating research and technology.
As a student, Patrick Lee experienced the life-changing effects of tuition assistance, and he credits his success to the education he received. He recently created an endowment for Bascom Palmer Eye Institute’s Global Center for Ophthalmic Education to further ophthalmic medical education.
The Miami-Dade County chapter of The Charmettes Inc., is raising funds to understand sporadic and inherited breast, ovarian, and endometrial cancers in Black women. With a goal of raising funds for cancer research at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, the group is looking to make a substantial impact on the lives of future generations of black woman.
Sixteen-year-old Dmitri Romero is no stranger to medical procedures. But rather than allow a congenital illness to disrupt his life, Dmitri decided to channel his energy into powerful philanthropy to help others. Dmitri set up a crowd-funding campaign for the Pediatric GI Research Fund at UHealth to advance the Miller School’s research in abdominal medical conditions.
Watching his grandfather slowly succumb to Alzheimer’s disease catapulted Evan Butters into the world of philanthropy. He founded Biking for Ben, an annual cycling event that raises money for the Miller School’s John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics.
After traveling many miles in pursuit of a treatment for his melanoma, Anthony Beyer found world-class care right here in South Florida at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. Beyer donated to support a clinical trial on ocular melanoma, a rare type of eye cancer, because he believes, “There’s no reason anybody in Florida should leave the state for great care.”
Lorraine Letendre turned her battle against ovarian cancer into an opportunity to help others. The renowned interior designer committed funds to establish the Lorraine Letendre Gynecologic Oncology Research Fund at Sylvester and then invited her clients and friends to contribute.
During his time as a resident at the University of Miami/ Jackson Memorial Hospital, Andrew Sama ’91, M.D, ’95, desired more opportunities to engage in long-term research projects. As a result, Dr. Sama and his wife, Liza, established the Sama Family Research Award at the Miller School’s Department of Orthopedics to create an annual research competition for students and residents.
Twins Javier Flores, M.D.’95, and Francis Flores, M.D.’95, along with their wives, Elsy Carbot-Flores, M.D.’95, and Maria Lalinde-Flores, have established endowed scholarship funds to give students with limited resources a chance to study at the Miller School of Medicine. The family of Cuban immigrants understands the burden that high tuition can have, particularly on minority students.
Stephen LaRosa, M.D. ’80, has spent 40 years serving his community as a family doctor. He considers himself blessed to have received a superior education at the Miller School of Medicine and has given back over the years, most notably to the John K. Robinson, M.D., scholarship fund.
As a medical student, Kelly A. Jarrett, M.D. ’10, worked with underserved populations through the Miller School of Medicine’s Mitchell Wolfson Sr. Department of Community Service health fairs and free clinics. Grateful for his experience at the Miller Schoolas he benefited from a scholarship, Dr. Jarrett wants to pay it forward.
As a former professional ballet dancer, turned primary care internist, Kara J. Pepper, M.D.’05, was no stranger to striving for excellence. However, a battle with burnout less than a decade into her medical career shifted her focus towards the importance of sustainable work habits. She is now dedicated to educating fellow physicians and contributing to scholarship funds for future generations.
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