AutoNation, Inc. and Dolphins Challenge Cancer are teaming up to address critical health disparities linked to social, economic and environmental factors with a new $1 million commitment to be distributed over four years to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. The gift will fund a project that will advance the scientific understanding of the relationship between social determinants of health, specifically, neighborhood disadvantage and breast cancer mortality.
“At AutoNation, our commitment to DRV PNK and the communities within which our businesses are located goes far beyond selling and servicing cars and trucks. Through DRV PNK, alongside the support of our Customers, Associates, and the communities we call home, we stand united in our mission to drive out cancer,” said Mike Manley, AutoNation’s Chief Executive Officer. “We’ve joined hands with long-term partners of our organization and together are investing in groundbreaking research. Our commitment to enhancing the communities we’re a part of is ingrained in our identity.”
Conducted by a team of researchers at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of UHealth – the University of Miami Health System, and led by BCRF investigator and surgeon-scientist Dr. Neha Goel, the research project will enhance the understanding of the links between neighborhood disadvantage and aggressive breast cancer. Despite significant advances in breast cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment, data has shown that women living in low-income neighborhoods have a higher breast cancer mortality rate compared to those in affluent neighborhoods. Initial research has indicated that the drivers of this survival gap are multifactorial and intrinsically linked to the racial disparities in breast cancer outcomes.
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“We are so grateful for the commitment of our long-time partners at AutoNation and the support of Dolphins Challenge Cancer,” said BCRF Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Dorraya El-Ashry. “Dr. Goel’s research will help to define how one’s neighborhood, right here in South Florida impacts their breast cancer, not just in terms of access to care, but also in terms of its influence over the tumor’s characteristics and behavior and ultimately, their survival outcomes. This partnership is providing us with the ability to identify the deeply complex role that social determinants of health such as environmental stress and neighborhood play in breast cancer mortality.”
The million-dollar commitment along with representatives from each organization and breast cancer survivors from the South Florida area will be highlighted pregame at the Miami Dolphins home opener on Sunday, Sept. 24, when the Dolphins take on the Denver Broncos. In addition to the pre-game recognition, the Miami Dolphins team store will be selling exclusive “Tackling Cancer” lapel pins with 100% of the purchase price benefitting the BCRF.
“We’re excited to partner with AutoNation as we further our commitment to support our ONE TEAM, ONE FIGHT efforts to fund lifesaving cancer research,” Miami Dolphins Challenge Cancer Executive Director Javier Sanchez said. “It’s special when you team up with other industry-leading organizations such as AutoNation, BCRF, and Sylvester and work together to tackle critical cancer disparities. We believe this research is fundamental to best serving the South Florida community and beyond.”
SOURCE : PRNewswire