Miles for Moffitt Raises $1.1 Million for Cancer Research

On Nov. 20, Moffitt Cancer Center’s community of patients, team members and supporters came together and moved for what mattered: Miles for Moffitt presented by AutoNation.

This year, the 16th annual fundraising event saw record numbers as it returned to downtown Tampa. More than 7,000 people participated in person or virtually, which is the most ever for the cancer center.

Eager to get out and support innovative cancer research, participants formed over 360 teams and raised more than $1.1 million and counting.

In addition to being the presenting sponsor, AutoNation also went the extra mile this year and raised over an additional $72,000, surpassing last year’s goal.

Maria Muller, Moffitt Foundation President

“We are so grateful for the tremendous support we’ve received for this year’s Miles for Moffitt,” said Maria Muller, president of the Moffitt Foundation. “The record-breaking numbers are a true reflection of the great work that Moffitt is doing in the community and show that people are eager to support the cancer center.”

With great weather on race day, Miles for Moffitt kicked off with its opening ceremony hosted by Moffitt’s own Joshua Rivera and for the first time, 10 Tampa Bay’s Frank Wiley and Caitlin Lockerbie.

After the Zumba warmup and The ReMission’s live performance, founder H. Lee Moffitt and cancer center leaders graced the main stage to thank the community for their continuous support.

Moffitt’s youngest participants also joined in on the fun as they danced and ran with Tampa Bay Rays mascot Raymond.

The Mole Patrol team was on-site to provide free cancer screenings: 103 total, with 78 suspicious findings. The youngest to get screened was 6.

During the awards ceremony, the cancer center gave the Spirit of Miles for Moffitt award to the women of the Gamma Theta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. for not only having one of the biggest teams but also for their hard work in bringing awareness to cancers that affect Black women.

The event closed with a survivor ceremony, where Moffitt held a moment of silence for those who have lost their battle and for those still fighting.

Miles for Moffitt may have had one of its biggest years, but there’s still time to contribute. Fundraising will continue through Jan. 31, 2022.

If you didn’t get a chance to attend in person or tune in virtually, check out the video below.