#United States #Fort Lauderdale #Cancer Research #Nova Southeastern #Royal Dames

Royal Dames' Generous Donation Boosts Cancer Research at Nova Southeastern University

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — The Royal Dames of Cancer Research, Inc. has made a substantial contribution of $1 million to Nova Southeastern University (NSU), further propelling the university's commitment to advancing crucial cancer research. This generous donation marks their largest single-year gift to date, and has raised the organization's total contributions to nearly $7 million. The funding will primarily support groundbreaking research in areas such as glioblastoma, melanoma, and various other cancers, including brain, breast, pediatric, and prostate cancers.

The Royal Dames have been instrumental in establishing NSU’s reputation as a leader in cancer research. Their unwavering dedication has allowed the university to expand its research infrastructure and participate in innovative laboratory studies. Carole Nugent, the immediate past president of the Royal Dames, emphasized that their support goes beyond mere financial contributions. Nugent stated, "This partnership signifies a deeper commitment, observing NSU's evolution into a center of innovation. Our mission is to transform patients' hopes into tangible realities—not just survival, but thriving post-diagnosis."

NSU President and CEO, Dr. Harry K. Moon, has highlighted the importance of this collaboration in enhancing the university's status as a regional hub for cancer research. He acknowledged that investments such as those from the Royal Dames are crucial in attracting top-tier researchers and accelerating vital studies that could lead to medical breakthroughs and improved drug therapies for cancer patients and their families. "The Royal Dames recognize that effective cancer research necessitates significant, sustained investment," noted Dr. Moon. "Their loyalty and generosity have been pivotal in our journey to develop the next generation of cancer treatments that aim to be more effective while minimizing harm to patients."

One unique aspect of the Royal Dames organization is the transparency it maintains with its members regarding the impact of their contributions. Members have the opportunity to visit NSU’s research labs, witnessing firsthand the progress made towards scientific advancements.

The Royal Dames embody a distinctive model of collective philanthropy, with members forming a close-knit sisterhood. They support each other through personal difficulties while pooling their efforts and resources to fund critical cancer research initiatives. Sophia Mylona, the current president of the Royal Dames, remarked, "We are not merely donating; we are deeply engaged in understanding the research and representing NSU's interests within the community, ensuring that our contributions yield maximum impact. Our goal is to provide researchers the resources necessary to transform scientific possibilities into patient realities."

In recent years, the Royal Dames have experienced substantial growth, with membership increasing by 35 percent since 2020. Their fundraising capabilities have also surged, climbing from $500,000 in 2020 to over $1 million by 2026.

About the Royal Dames of Cancer Research

Founded in 1969, the Royal Dames of Cancer Research is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization located in Fort Lauderdale, dedicated to financing cancer research at Nova Southeastern University. Since refocusing their goals towards cancer research fundraising in 2008, they have provided nearly $7 million to advance innovative treatment strategies. The organization maintains high ratings from Charity GuideStar and Charity Navigator, and its operations are primarily volunteer-driven to maximize the impact of their funding.

About Nova Southeastern University

Nova Southeastern University (NSU) stands as Florida's largest private research university and is a leading employer within the state. With a projected economic impact of over $6.7 billion in 2026, NSU holds an R1 classification from the Carnegie Foundation, signifying the highest level of research activity among universities. For more information, visit www.nova.edu.