December 9, 2025 – The Pap Corps Champions for Cancer Research (www.thepapcorps.org) is proud to announce the 2025 Dr. Kevin Berkowitz Memorial End of Year Giving Campaign will support four key areas of importance to patient outcomes at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami Miller Schools of Medicine.  This is the 11^th year of this special fundraising program which has raised millions of dollars for programs selected by Dr. Stephen Nimer, Director of Sylvester.

“Dr. Kevin Berkowitz’s passion inspired our members to transform our end-of-year giving into a truly substantial program for The Pap Corps,” said CEO Sally Berenzweig. “His influence has profoundly impacted our fundraising efforts, making this campaign a critical tool in our support of Sylvester.”

The dedicated funds raised from October 2025 through February 2026 will be strategically directed toward areas that Dr. Nimer believes will have the greatest impact. The four key areas of focus for fiscal year 2025-2026 are:

• Precision Prevention: This initiative will focus on cutting-edge genetic testing, enhanced screening protocols, and comprehensive patient education on lifestyle medicine. The goal is to identify and mitigate cancer risks before they develop, offering personalized strategies to prevent the disease.
• Children’s Cancers: This funding will advance research and treatment for pediatric oncology. This support is vital for developing new therapies and improving the quality of life for young patients and their families.
• Ocular Cancers: This specialized area of focus will help fund research into rare cancers affecting the eye. The support will enable new diagnostic tools and therapeutic approaches for patients with these challenging conditions.
• Survivorship & Cancer Support Care: Recognizing that the journey continues after treatment, this area will provide resources for cancer survivors. The funds will support programs that address the long-term physical, emotional, and psychological needs of patients, ensuring they can lead full and healthy lives post-treatment.

“The Pap Corps’ year-long mission is to fund research for all cancers—affecting men, women, and children,” said Chair Susan Dinter. “But our end-of-year drive is unique as Dr. Nimer partners with us to pinpoint areas that need an immediate, critical influx of funds. This focused approach is deeply inspiring, making our members feel like essential partners in driving research forward.”

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, directs the End of Year campaign to concentrate efforts on specific cancers with all funds directed towards research.

“My son, Kevin, understood the profound importance of research,” said Beverly Berkowitz, a Director for The Pap Corps.  “He launched this initiative to inspire greater giving, and in the years since I have witnessed the remarkable outcomes that have resulted from this effort. I am filled with gratitude to everyone who has made this campaign a significant part of The Pap Corps’ giving.”

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.

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.