Bounce Back from Cancer Raises Over $7M for Cancer Research

Annual event brings together Miami community to support Baptist Health's cancer research efforts

Apr. 14, 2026 at 4:05pm

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An extreme close-up X-ray photograph of a human heart, its intricate structure glowing with an ethereal, ghostly quality against a dark background, symbolizing the medical research supported by the Bounce Back from Cancer event.The Bounce Back from Cancer event raises millions to fund vital research that could lead to breakthroughs in treating the disease.Aventura Today

More than 2,000 people, including 167 teams, participated in the annual Bounce Back from Cancer event, a partnership between Baptist Health Foundation and the Miami Heat. The event raised over $7 million for cancer research at Baptist Health's Miami Cancer Institute, part of Baptist Health Cancer Care.

Why it matters

The Bounce Back from Cancer event is a crucial annual fundraiser that supports the vital cancer research efforts at Baptist Health's Miami Cancer Institute. The event's growing participation and fundraising totals demonstrate the Miami community's strong commitment to supporting advancements in cancer treatment and working towards a world without cancer.

The details

The Bounce Back from Cancer event featured 14.2-, 6-, and 2-mile courses that participants could choose from, with all finishers receiving completion medals. The event was supported by cancer survivors, their families and friends, leaders and staff from the Miami Heat and Baptist Health, sports fans, and many others in the community.

  • The event took place on Saturday, March 14, 2026.
  • Bounce Back from Cancer is an annual event, now in its seventh year.

The players

Baptist Health Foundation

A non-profit organization that supports the mission and programs of Baptist Health South Florida, including the Miami Cancer Institute.

Miami Heat

A professional basketball team that has partnered with Baptist Health Foundation for the Bounce Back from Cancer event.

Miami Cancer Institute

Part of Baptist Health Cancer Care, the Miami Cancer Institute is a leading cancer research and treatment center.

Jorge Rico

The event chair and co-founder and managing partner of MBF Healthcare Partners.

Udonis Haslem

The Miami Heat player who has served as the event's celebrity ambassador for the past five years.

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What they’re saying

“It's incredibly inspiring to experience the energy of this community, uniting to put an end to this heartbreaking disease. The caring and compassion from everyone involved, in addition to the funds raised, makes a tremendous impact for those fighting cancer.”

— Jorge Rico, Event Chair, Co-founder and Managing Partner of MBF Healthcare Partners

“The research program at Miami Cancer Institute is growing rapidly, and funds from Bounce Back from Cancer help power its progress in cancer treatments. The collective support of our Bounce Back participants — including top fundraisers like our 'Hall of Fame' — continues to grow. We couldn't be more grateful.”

— Joe Natoli, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, Baptist Health

“The Miami Heat has a longstanding commitment to support the South Florida community. We are incredibly proud of our partnership with Baptist Health and Miami Cancer Institute to help fund research that will improve outcomes and defeat cancer for good.”

— John Vidalin, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, The Heat Group

What’s next

The organizers of Bounce Back from Cancer are already planning for next year's event, which will take place on March 12, 2027. They hope to continue growing participation and fundraising to further support the vital cancer research efforts at the Miami Cancer Institute.

The takeaway

The Bounce Back from Cancer event demonstrates the power of community collaboration to drive progress in the fight against cancer. By bringing together cancer survivors, sports fans, healthcare leaders, and concerned citizens, the event has raised millions of dollars to fund cutting-edge research that will improve cancer treatment and outcomes.