‘I'm still here.' The 2025 Dolphins Cancer Challenge showcases growth but also power of connection
Lynette Hickenbottom is dressed to impress.
Dressed head-to-tie in different shades of pink, the two-time cancer survivor strolls around the bowels of the Miami International Autodrome as participants and attendees of the Dolphins Cancer Challenge crisscross her path. Hickenbottom decided not to do the 5k walk this year – 'This year I'm going to chill,' she quips – but makes a point to talk to everyone that stops her. The reasoning? She wants to spread a bit of positivity.
'It gives me a lot of energy to come out here because then I see other people that have gone through things like me and I like to share,' said Hickenbottom, 72, who beat breast cancer in 1999 and bladder cancer in 2022. 'I tell them how I'm a survivor so many years and I'm still here.'
Added Hickenbottom: 'That's the word I spread: God is good!'
Hickenbottom's presence somewhat epitomizes the importance of the DCC. Yes, the event attracts thousands of people each year as well as raises millions more to help the Hickenbottoms of the world. But for the septuagenarian as well as several Dolphins players, it's also about the ability to put a smile on someone's face, regardless of the trials and tribulations that they currently might face.
'It's a honor, it's a blessing,' center Aaron Brewer said, adding that everyone here either rides, runs or walks 'for a cause bigger than' themselves. 'It's just a amazing.'
'Everybody knows it's about business when it comes to this game but it shows the more human side of this organization and the people within it to put something like this together,' linebacker Jordyn Brooks said.
Founded in 2010, the DCC has grown exponentially into the NFL's No. 1 fundraising effort. A goal to raise roughly $75 million by the end of 2026 was achieved two years ahead of schedule. In 2025 alone, the event attracted more than 7,000 people and raised upwards of $14 million, all of which goes directly to research at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. Sylvester remains the only cancer center in South Florida that's recognized by the National Cancer Institute.
'We've been around for 15 years,' said Elizabeth Jenkins, the executive chair of the DCC, calling the fundraising numbers 'a testament to the people who donate, a testament to our board who doesn't want accolades or kudos.'
Added Jenkins: 'We've proven that we truly believe in this cause. This is not something that we push by the wayside. We get the community involved. We have over 200 corporate teams that are involved in this. Some people have done it all 15 years. Some people this is their first year. But they really believe because cancer touches everyone of us.'
Even the physical event has become much bigger. Participants can either walk or run the 5k or ride a bike in one of four routes that honor Dolphins legends: the 13-mile Dan Marino ride, 39-mile Larry Csonka ride, 54-mile Zach Thomas ride and 99-mile Jason Taylor ride. Having signed with the Dolphins in 2024 offseason, Brewer had certainly heard about the DCC. To see it, let alone participate, however, surprised even him.
'I didn't think it was going to be this many people,' Brewer said. 'They did their big one with this.'
The same goes for 2024 rookie tackle Patrick Paul.
'This is my first time doing this and let's just say I was shocked,' Paul said.'
As Hickenbottom continued to walk around the Autodrome, she recalled a favorite story. A few minutes earlier, she had rang the bell with a woman, a sign of completed cancer treatment. The two women didn't know one another until that moment. Now, Hickenbottom has a new friend.
'This is how you form informal friendships,' Hickenbottom said of the DCC, 'and I believe that gives some kind of encouragement.'

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Forbes
19 minutes ago
- Forbes
Patriots' Christian Barmore Is Out To Prove He's Still Himself In 2025
New England Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore has returned in full after being limited to ... More four games due to blood clots in 2024. (Photo by Jessica Rinaldi/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) Christian Barmore intends on keeping last year behind him. After missing all but four games in 2024 due to complications stemming from blood clots, the New England Patriots defensive tackle has been medically cleared for a full return in 2025. And since players reported back to Gillette Stadium for the offseason workout program, he's been among them from April into June. That's the plan moving forward. 'That stuff I went through, man, I would never, ever want anybody to go through that," Barmore told reporters following Monday's session of mandatory minicamp. "That stuff, imagine someone stopping you from breathing, literally like stopping you. Now, I can breathe again. Now, them lungs open up, so it's like what's up. I'm good, man. Good to go. Green light.' The 25-year-old Barmore had been placed on the non-football illness list as active rosters around the NFL reduced to 53 last August. He was moved back to the list in December after experiencing recurring symptoms. In between the shutdowns arrived 123 defensive snaps. Those snaps brought one sack and six total tackles. 'There's really just a lot of fire in my heart," Barmore said. "I can say that because I feel like after that situation, people forgot who I am. So I'm just really bringing a lot of competitive with me. Every day when I'm on this field, it's just to prove that I'm still me and I'm always going to be me.' Last spring, Barmore signed a four-year, $84 million contract extension with New England. It carried a maximum value of $92 million as well as $41.8 million in guarantees. The agreement came on the heels of a 2023 campaign that spanned 64 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and a team-high 8.5 sacks for Barmore. Pro Football Focus charted his degree of disruption for 49 combined quarterback pressures. He also had a hand in six pass breakups and one forced fumble while appearing in every game. 'I feel really confident in myself because, one, I'm breathing, talking," the 6-foot-5, 315-pound Barmore said as sights turn toward training camp. "I'm just having fun, talking stuff, talking smack. Just having a good time with my teammates and playing hard.' Since landing in Foxborough at pick No. 38 overall in the 2021 NFL draft, the former University of Alabama national champion's run has included 48 games, 139 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 13.5 sacks and 11 starts. And now, a restart. 'Well, I'm not going to comment on Christian's medical status. I'll leave that up to him, but what I've seen is a player that is excited and that is coachable,' Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel said during his Monday press conference. 'Extremely coachable. He has some versatility. He's rushed inside. He's lined up outside. He's worked extremely hard. You've seen him chase and play with great effort down the field. I'm excited to see where he's at, but I've seen a lot of just improvement and a lot of engagement from him since the time that we've been here.'
Yahoo
28 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Myles Garrett anticipates Aaron Rodgers' arrival to his infamous 'graveyard'
Myles Garrett is a man of tradition. When his penchant for destroying quarterbacks and love of celebrating Halloween intersect, it's lovely. Garrett's Ohio home has long been the staging ground to an elaborate seasonal display. Headstones dot a front-yard-turned-cemetery. On them lie the names of some of the quarterbacks Garrett has sacked in his NFL career. Joe Burrow is there. Lamar Jackson, too. Ben Roethlisberger has effectively established a residency among the grass (though admittedly the immobile, massive Home Depot skeleton would have been a better place for him). Kyler Murray made an appearance, which bummed him out. Advertisement Now he's got a new name in mind to add to his collection. Four-time NFL MVP and brand new Pittsburgh Steeler Aaron Rodgers. Fortunately for Garrett, Rodgers is easier to sack than ever. The 41-year-old is still recovering from the torn Achilles that ended his 2023 season after four plays. His 6.4 yards per scramble in 2024 were significantly below the NFL average for starting quarterbacks (7.9). His 94 rushing yards were the lowest of his career as a full-time starter. Garrett didn't need the help -- after all, he's already got the ultra-mobile Murray and Jackson amidst his collection of corpses -- but Rodgers does present an opportunity. The All-Pro edge rusher has only played Rodgers' teams twice in an eight-year career. Rodgers missed both due to injury as a Green Bay Packer in 2017 and as a New York Jet in 2023. Advertisement Thus, Garrett will get the chance to add Rodgers to a list of multiple-time MVPs in Jackson and Tom Brady amidst his boneyard. "Put him in the graveyard" isn't the threat it seems like given the context. But knowing how little the Steelers and Browns care for each other, it's the right sentiment for this rivalry. This article originally appeared on For The Win: Myles Garrett anticipates Aaron Rodgers' arrival to his infamous 'graveyard'


USA Today
29 minutes ago
- USA Today
Myles Garrett anticipates Aaron Rodgers' arrival to his infamous 'graveyard'
Myles Garrett anticipates Aaron Rodgers' arrival to his infamous 'graveyard' Myles Garrett is a man of tradition. When his penchant for destroying quarterbacks and love of celebrating Halloween intersect, it's lovely. Garrett's Ohio home has long been the staging ground to an elaborate seasonal display. Headstones dot a front-yard-turned-cemetery. On them lie the names of some of the quarterbacks Garrett has sacked in his NFL career. Joe Burrow is there. Lamar Jackson, too. Ben Roethlisberger has effectively established a residency among the grass (though admittedly the immobile, massive Home Depot skeleton would have been a better place for him). Kyler Murray made an appearance, which bummed him out. Now he's got a new name in mind to add to his collection. Four-time NFL MVP and brand new Pittsburgh Steeler Aaron Rodgers. Fortunately for Garrett, Rodgers is easier to sack than ever. The 41-year-old is still recovering from the torn Achilles that ended his 2023 season after four plays. His 6.4 yards per scramble in 2024 were significantly below the NFL average for starting quarterbacks (7.9). His 94 rushing yards were the lowest of his career as a full-time starter. Garrett didn't need the help -- after all, he's already got the ultra-mobile Murray and Jackson amidst his collection of corpses -- but Rodgers does present an opportunity. The All-Pro edge rusher has only played Rodgers' teams twice in an eight-year career. Rodgers missed both due to injury as a Green Bay Packer in 2017 and as a New York Jet in 2023. Thus, Garrett will get the chance to add Rodgers to a list of multiple-time MVPs in Jackson and Tom Brady amidst his boneyard. "Put him in the graveyard" isn't the threat it seems like given the context. But knowing how little the Steelers and Browns care for each other, it's the right sentiment for this rivalry.