‘I'm still here.' The 2025 Dolphins Cancer Challenge showcases growth but also power of connection

Miami Herald

23-02-2025

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.'