$1 Million Gift Boosts Cancer Research at Nova Southeastern University

Royal Dames' Total Support Reaches Nearly $7 Million for NSU's Innovative Studies

Mar. 12, 2026 at 9:01pm

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The Royal Dames of Cancer Research, Inc. has awarded a $1 million gift to Nova Southeastern University (NSU) to accelerate the university's next phase of cancer research focused on developing therapies and treatments for glioblastoma, melanoma, and brain, breast, pediatric, and prostate cancers. This gift brings the organization's cumulative support of NSU's cancer research to nearly $7 million.

Why it matters

The Royal Dames' sustained commitment has helped expand NSU's cancer research infrastructure, advance innovative laboratory studies, and position the university as a leader in cancer research. Their partnership with NSU is one of South Florida's most enduring philanthropic collaborations, representing a unique model of collective philanthropy focused on turning scientific possibilities into patient reality.

The details

The $1 million gift, the Royal Dames' largest single-year donation, will help NSU develop the next generation of cancer treatments that are more effective and less harmful to patients. NSU President and CEO Harry K. Moon, M.D., is partnering with the Royal Dames to elevate the university's position as a regional hub for cancer research, attracting top researchers and scientists to advance studies that can speed medical breakthroughs and drug therapies.

  • The Royal Dames of Cancer Research, Inc. has awarded the $1 million gift to Nova Southeastern University in March 2026.
  • The Royal Dames have cumulatively supported NSU's cancer research with nearly $7 million to date.

The players

Royal Dames of Cancer Research, Inc.

A 501(c)(3) charitable organization based in Fort Lauderdale, dedicated to funding cancer research at Nova Southeastern University. The organization has contributed nearly $7 million to advance innovative treatment development.

Nova Southeastern University (NSU)

The largest private research university in Florida and a top employer in the state, with more than $6.7 billion in projected economic impact in 2026. NSU is classified as an R1 institution by the Carnegie Foundation among universities with the highest level of research activity.

Harry K. Moon, M.D.

The President and CEO of Nova Southeastern University, partnering with the Royal Dames to elevate the university's position as a regional hub for cancer research.

Carole Nugent

The immediate past president of the Royal Dames of Cancer Research.

Sophia Mylona

The current president of the Royal Dames of Cancer Research.

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What they’re saying

“This partnership represents something far deeper than financial support. We've watched NSU's research program grow from its early days to becoming a center of innovation. Our members are committed to turning patients' hopes into reality–not just survival but thriving after diagnosis.”

— Carole Nugent, Immediate Past President, Royal Dames of Cancer Research

“The Royal Dames understand that the most effective cancer research requires sustained and substantial investment. Their commitment, loyalty, and generosity have been instrumental in building our capacity to develop the next generation of cancer treatments that are not only more effective but also less harmful to patients.”

— Harry K. Moon, M.D., President and CEO, Nova Southeastern University

“We're not just writing checks. We started this journey believing that research could change outcomes for cancer patients. We are invested in understanding the research and in representing NSU's voice in the community, ensuring that our contributions have maximum impact. This is about giving researchers the resources they need to turn scientific possibilities into patient reality.”

— Sophia Mylona, President, Royal Dames of Cancer Research

What’s next

The Royal Dames and Nova Southeastern University will continue to collaborate on advancing cancer research and developing new treatments, with the goal of positioning NSU as a regional hub for innovative cancer studies.

The takeaway

The Royal Dames' long-standing partnership with Nova Southeastern University demonstrates the power of collective philanthropy and community-driven research to drive medical breakthroughs and improve outcomes for cancer patients. This collaboration serves as a model for how dedicated organizations can work hand-in-hand with universities to turn scientific possibilities into life-changing realities.