The Pap Corps Champions for Cancer Research is proud to announce the 10th Anniversary of the Dr. Kevin Berkowitz Memorial End of Year Giving Campaign. This important initiative fuels targeted cancer research at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, and the 2024/2025 campaign promises to be the most impactful year yet.
Targeting Crucial Areas
Running from October 1, 2024 through February 28, 2025, this year’s campaign focuses on three critical areas identified by Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center:
- GI/Pancreatic Cancer Institute: This includes research on colorectal, stomach, throat, and liver cancers.
- Brain Tumor Institute (Adult and Pediatric): Supporting advancements in both adult and pediatric brain tumors.
- Women’s Cancers: Funding research for breast and gynecological cancers.
“Dr. Kevin Berkowitz envisioned this campaign a decade ago, inspiring our members to make a real difference,” shared Pap Corps CEO Sally Berenzweig. “As we celebrate this milestone, we look back with immense pride at the collective achievements of our members and the impact their fundraising has made on cancer treatments.”
Dr. Berkowitz launched the campaign in 2014 with a matching gift to inspire giving. Following his passing, this initiative was continued in his honor. The Pap Corps, which champions cancer research throughout the year, uses the End of Year campaign to concentrate efforts on specific cancers with all funds directed towards research.
“My son, Kevin, was a visionary who championed groundbreaking medical advancements,” said Beverly Berkowitz, The Pap Corps’ Director. “Seeing the tremendous impact his idea has had on both our membership, and the countless patients who benefit from the research we fund, would make him incredibly proud.”
Over the past decade, End of Year contributions have significantly advanced research in various critical areas, including pancreatic cancer, pediatric sarcoma, myeloma, breast cancer, testicular cancer, and brain cancer. Additionally, these generous donations have supported vital stem cell research and the development of the Game Changer Vehicle for Palm Beach County. Through the unwavering support of its members, sponsors, and generous matching grantors like the late Gerald Yass, this initiative has raised millions of dollars to fuel groundbreaking research.
“As we honor this significant anniversary, we reflect on the progress made in cancer research and remain committed to our mission to create a world without cancer,” said Susan Dinter, Chair.
For more information about the organization’s history, fundraising initiatives, and volunteer opportunities, please visit www.thepapcorps.org
About The Pap Corps:
Since its founding in 1952, The Pap Corps has donated more than $110 million to Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, including a historic $50 million pledge in 2016. The Pap Corps derives its name from Dr. George Papanicolaou, a pioneer in cytopathology and early cancer detection, who introduced the world to the revolutionary ‘Pap’ test. A small group of women began the organization to support his efforts, and over the decades it has grown into an organization of over 20,000 men and women, in over 50 chapters, who raise funds to support research for all types of cancers.
