From the Beginning

In 1952 a group of women, led by Mrs. Steve Ann Bernard, joined together to organize a support group for the Dade County Cancer Institute. Their goal was to raise money for cancer education, research, and cytology for the early detection of cancer. From this dedicated group, the Corps was successfully incorporated in 1991 and is now known as the Papanicolaou Corps for Cancer Research, Inc. Today close to 18,000 loyal men and women carry on the high standards and traditions established by the Corps.

The Corps has received numerous awards for outstanding community service from the University of Miami and other civic organizations. In 1957, the Miami Herald awarded the Corps its first Honorable Mention Award for an Outstanding Service Program in Dade County. In 1961, the Miami News honored the Corps with a Community Service Certificate. From 1990 through 1996, the Corps received the Organization of the Year award at the University of Miami School of Medicine Helping Hands Award Gala.

Dr. George Papanicolaou Honored for his Work in Cancer Research

The Corps is indebted to the outstanding work carried on by Dr. George Papanicolaou in cancer detection. He was the director of the Cancer Research Institute for a brief period in 1961-62 before his death, and his memory and inspiration live on today. Millions of women owe their lives to the availability of the Pap Smear developed by Dr. Papanicolaou. Until her death, Dr. Papanicolaou's widow, Mary Papanicolaou, devoted her time and interests in support of the staff and work that was done at the Institute.

Dr. Julius Shultz served as director of the Cancer Institute from 1968 to 1984 and was responsible for expanding the cancer research program. In December 1984, the Institute merged with the University of Miami's Comprehensive Cancer Center and the two organizations, under the direction of Dr. Norman Altman, became one institution dedicated to cancer research, medical education, and treatment.

The Sylvester Foundation Bestows a Major Gift

In 1986, the Harcourt M. and Virginia W. Sylvester Foundation made a $27.5 million gift to the cancer center for the construction and endowment of a new outpatient center clinic on the site of the original Institute building that was constructed in 1949. The new clinic opened in May of 1992. The research laboratories named in honor of Dr. Papanicolaou were relocated to what is now the University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine and were dedicated in 1990.

The Pap Corps Today

With a history of meeting and beating all financial pledges, in May of 2003, the Corps pledged $10 million over a five-year period. Their check for $3.325 million, presented in June 2006 to fund cancer research at the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, brought the total to $10.825 million.  Having surpassed the original five-year goal ahead of schedule, the Pap Corps increased its pledge to $14 million, and in 2008, their check for $4.15 million brought the 5-year total to more than $18 million.

The Corps is currently divided into 46 units and 3 honorary units in Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties with a current membership of more than 19,000 men and women. Because of the size of the Corps it is felt that smaller local groups can more effectively carry on different activities and make the contacts more personal. Each unit has officers and committee chairpersons and is responsible for membership and fundraising activities.

The primary focus of the Corps has always been raising funds for cancer research. Luncheons, trips and cruises, theater groups, sporting events, fashion shows, and tennis and golf tournaments are some of the many events planned by the units to create friendships as well as raise funds. The Corps is proud of its accomplishments and remains dedicated to its mission to support cancer research so that one day a cure will be found.