Dolphins Organization Goes Off The Field to Fight Cancer
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – The Miami Dolphins organization had another big battle this weekend, but this one was off the field.
Today they hosted the 3rd Annual Dolphins Cycling Challenge (DCC) aimed at cancer awareness and fundraising for cancer research.
"You have to reclaim your life and being physically fit is a way to do that," said Sheryl Borg.
Borg has been cancer free for 11 years.
"The Sylvester Center has done a tremendous job getting us back out on the road, so ride on everybody!"
And ride on they did. Complete with a mascot, rowdy fans and cheerleaders, the team more than 1,000 strong, lined up early this morning to play offense:
They had one goal in mind, battling cancer one mile at at a time.
"I'm riding for my dad," said Dolphins Cycling Challenge CEO Michael Mandich. The event was established thanks to his father, the late Jim Mandich.
"My grandmother, Peggy, also died from cancer, so this is very dear to my heart."
The 3rd Annual Dolphins Cycling Challenge is a two day, 170 mile charity cycling event aimed at increasing cancer awareness and raising money for the SylvesterComprehensiveCancerCenter.
"I watched how my wife battled through cancer, chemo and radiation," said Paul Castronovo. He rode 30 miles in the challenge.
Castronovo says a new cancer saved his wife's life.
More than 1500 riders participated in today's event, about 60 of them were cancer survivors.
"I had prostate cancer ," said Al Huff. "The cancer center did the work on me and now I'm a cancer survivor of 5 years!"
CBS4's Kim Bokamper was also at the event.
"The first time I did it I went 100 miles, I went 85 last year and its a pretty long trip! Jim Mandich, a former Dolphin, was a very dear friend of mine. So he's kind of been the guiding light for me when it comes to doing this ride."
