Making a Difference

When Joan Scheiner first walked through the doors of the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center ten years ago, she had been diagnosed with metastatic soft tissue sarcoma and was coming to meet oncologist Pasquale Benedetto, M.D., for the first time. She knew at that moment that her future rested in the hands of the well-trained physician- scientists, nurses, and support staff that make up UM/Sylvester, and for her it was an awesome realization.

Her prognosis back then was not good. In fact, it was anticipated that she would live approximately 18 months. But with the care and guidance of UM/Sylvester's team, it has been an amazing ten years.

Scheiner says "Having experienced UM/Sylvester as a patient, I witnessed the cancer center from a completely different perspective. It was, and still is, a jewel of an institution— a complete healing facility. I also now know that small improvements made possible through research—such as changes that dramatically reduce the time it takes to perform a scanning procedure, for example—are tremendous strides for patients. We’re all focused on curing cancer, but when you’re a patient, every little step along the way is huge".

After this life-changing experience, Joan has used her strength of spirit to accomplish good things. "So it seemed only logical that I give back to the institution that made such a huge impact on my life and the lives of countless others". In 2001, she made a meaningful donation to UM/Sylvester and offered to help raise money to realize the endless possibilities that were out there for those faced with a cancer diagnosis. She became a member of the Founders Society, chair of UM/Sylvester’s Development Committee, co-chair of the cancer center’s five-year, $137 million capital campaign, and later a Grand Founder of UM/Sylvester.

Today, as chair of the UM/Sylvester Board of Governors, Joan is working on developing an infrastructure that will ensure the success of future fundraising initiatives so that the funds raised continue to fuel the lifesaving research being conducted at UM/Sylvester. Scheiner states, "More importantly, I feel privileged to lead a board of committed, caring, and compassionate individuals all with the same mission in mind—to eradicate cancer, and while working to do so, improve the quality of life for all who deal with this dreaded disease. It is a goal that is achievable with your ongoing support".