The South Florida community has shown a renewed commitment in the battle against childhood cancer, emphasizing the urgent need for treatment and research funding.
This weekend, a significant event marked the conclusion of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
In a heartfelt ceremony, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital and the Mystic Force Foundation joined forces with the North Miami Police Department to honor Salvatore, affectionately known as Sal, a brave young boy who tragically succumbed to childhood cancer 14 years ago.
At just four years old, Sal was diagnosed with stage IV neuroblastoma.
His family quickly became aware of the myriad of challenges faced by families battling childhood cancer, especially the alarming lack of funding for necessary treatments and research.
Determined to ensure Sal’s legacy would ignite hope for families, both in South Florida and beyond, his parents founded the Mystic Force Foundation.
“Nicklaus Children’s Hospital became our home during Sal’s treatment,” reflected Silvia Vanni, Sal’s mother and founder of the Mystic Force Foundation.
“We experienced tremendous support from the staff, hospital leaders, and other families that reminded us we weren’t alone.
Though my son is no longer here, we strive to offer that same support to other families through our foundation until a cure is found for all pediatric cancers.”
As South Florida’s leading pediatric hospital, Nicklaus Children’s is at the forefront of innovation in pediatric cancer treatment.
The Helen & Jacob Shaham Cancer & Blood Disorders Institute provides tailored care, intending to save not just lives, but also childhoods for more than 200 children diagnosed with cancer each year.
This year, Nicklaus Children’s has intensified its commitment to combat childhood cancer.
With the hospital becoming the exclusive academic pediatric partner of Florida International University’s Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, there has been significant progress in securing necessary grant funds for pediatric research.
Additionally, a multi-year, multi-million-dollar commitment from the State of Florida has been established to support pediatric cancer treatment and research.
Matthew A. Love, President and CEO of Nicklaus Children’s Health System, shared, “The advancement we are making at the Shaham Cancer and Blood Disorders Institute, in collaboration with FIU and our supportive state lawmakers, is elevating the fight against childhood cancer.”
“This collaboration is unprecedented in South Florida.
Sal’s legacy, along with the Gold Ribbon Parade, serves as a reminder that our work is ongoing.
While we celebrate the progress in saving lives, we must not forget the ‘one in five’ children who continue to lose their battle with cancer.
We, along with FIU, the Mystic Force Foundation, and our dedicated lawmakers, are committed to this fight.”
The Gold Ribbon Parade commenced on September 27, 2025, at 9:15 a.m., atop Nicklaus Children’s Hospital’s Blue Garage, located at 3100 SW 62nd Avenue in Miami.
The parade featured police, fire, and specialty vehicles adorned with golden ribbons, capturing the spirit and support of the community.
At 10:00 a.m., numerous parade participants, including vehicle drivers and police motors, set off across Miami-Dade, journeying towards Broward County and marking each children’s hospital along the way.
This event not only fosters interaction among patients, families, and medical staff but also allows those hospitalized at Nicklaus Children’s to take part in festivities from the comfort of their rooms.
This year, the Gold Ribbon Parade received support from several notable entities, including Miami Dade County District 4 Commissioner Mickey Steinberg, Batman Florida, Davide De Pas Productions, Elite Outdoor, Exquisite Catering, Hats Off Party & Event Planners, Mobile Mike Public Relations, and United SuperHeroes for Kids.
The Mystic Force Foundation, founded in 2008 by Dr. Steven and Silvia Vanni following the diagnosis of their son Sal’s stage IV neuroblastoma cancer, has made it their mission to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer research.
Though Sal passed away in 2011 after a prolonged battle, his legacy continues to inspire efforts to support families and children affected by childhood cancer.
As the Foundation celebrates its 17th anniversary, its various initiatives encompass educational advocacy, financial support for families, granting ‘Dream Wishes’, and hosting in-patient hospital parties.
Moreover, the Foundation takes pride in the Heroes Hangout, a special place established seven years ago in North Miami Beach that serves as a haven for children undergoing treatment in South Florida hospitals.
Nicklaus Children’s and Mystic Force Foundation remain steadfast in their promise: to provide hope, joy, and support to the littlest heroes engaged in the ongoing battle against childhood cancer.
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