Miami HEAT’s Red White & Pink Game Raises Funds for Breast Cancer Research at Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute
MIAMI, FL – November 10, 2022 – As part of a philanthropic partnership between Baptist Health Foundation and the Miami HEAT, the team held its Red, White & Pink game on October 3rd in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month. The game, part of the partnership’s Bounce Back from CancerTM initiative, raised nearly $10,000 to benefit research and patient care at Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute.
The game was an open scrimmage that included the Miami HEAT’s current 2022-23 roster and was attended by breast cancer survivors, their families and friends, physicians and staff from Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute, board and council members, corporate sponsors, major fundraisers and other members of the community. The program honored several breast cancer survivors and their physicians, and featured remarks by Miami Cancer Institute CEO & Executive Medical Director Dr. Michael Zinner; Miami HEAT head coach Erik Spoelstra, HEAT team captain Udonis Haslem; and Baptist Health Foundation CEO Alex Villoch.
“The Red, White & Pink game not only serves as the official start of our season, but an invaluable opportunity to shine a light on those valiantly fighting against breast cancer,” said John Vidalin, EVP and chief commercial officer of the Miami HEAT. “We’re humbled and grateful to partner with Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute, its world-class physicians and incredible cancer survivors in this important fight.”
“I am so proud to support Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute,” said Udonis Haslem, who is a Bounce Back from CancerTM ambassador and social media influencer. “What their team is accomplishing in terms of both innovation and treatment is really amazing. And the fact that we have this level of care in Miami makes such a difference for our entire community.”
The Miami HEAT Red, White & Pink Game is part of Baptist Health Foundation’s Bounce Back from CancerTM, a grassroots initiative to raise vital funds for research at Miami Cancer Institute. Over the past four years, Bounce Back from CancerTM has raised $3.5 million to help realize the Institute’s vision of a world without cancer. Its signature event brings the community together for a fun, family-friendly 14.2 and 2 mile basketball dribble / walk. Donors pledge in support of individual or team participants, and corporations throughout South Florida provide philanthropic sponsorships. The next Bounce Back from CancerTM will take place Sunday, March 12, 2023.
“I’m proud to say that in the five short years since Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute opened its doors, we have become one of the largest cancer centers in Florida, with the nation’s top experts and all the latest treatments,” said Dr. Michael Zinner. “But we did not accomplish this alone. Philanthropy has been key in allowing us to provide such outstanding care, and it’s funds raised from events like Bounce Back from CancerTM and the Red, White & Pink game that make it possible.”
“As a breast cancer survivor myself, I can attest to how important it is to have Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute in our community,” said Alex Villoch. “The fact that you no longer need to leave your personal support system to see world-renowned physicians and receive leading-edge cancer therapies is life-changing. We are so grateful to the Miami HEAT and all our Red, White & Pink game donors for their commitment to fighting breast cancer.”
For more information about Bounce Back from Cancer, visit HeatHelpCure.org.
About Baptist Health Foundation
The mission of Baptist Health Foundation is to inspire philanthropy and build extraordinary donor relationships in support of excellence, innovation, community wellness and global leadership in healthcare at Baptist Health South Florida. Through philanthropy, the Foundation supports and expands Baptist Health’s ability to provide outstanding patient care and bring the latest treatments to patients and families affected by a serious illness. Donor contributions also allow the Foundation to assist Baptist Health facilities in keeping pace with technology and equipment advances, perform cutting-edge research and offer continuing education opportunities to medical staff. Learn more at BaptistHealth.net/Foundation.
About The HEAT Group
The HEAT Group is comprised of the National Basketball Association’s Miami HEAT and the 19,600-seat FTX Arena. The HEAT is a three-time NBA Champion having won titles in 2006, 2012 and 2013 and is a celebrated leader in every discipline of the business of basketball. FTX Arena, home of the HEAT, is a LEED Gold Recertified, award-winning, state-of-the-art facility, which hosts more than 150 events per year. FTX Arena has maintained its position as the #1 Arena in Florida for the seventh consecutive year—and the 10th time during the past 11 years—according to 2021 year-end rankings of the world’s top arenas conducted by both Pollstar and Billboard. The Arena ranks 10th in the United States and 10th in the world for Billboard and 13th in the United States and 15th worldwide for Pollstar. The Arena is located on the waterfront in the thriving arts and entertainment district in downtown Miami. For more information, please visit HEAT.com and FTX Arena.com.
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