About Us

Dedicated to Funding Research
to Find A Cure

Dr. Joel Warren and Theresa Castro

Our History

A Legacy of Hope

Our history began with Dr. Joel Warren and his request for $250,000 for cancer research. He approached Theresa Castro, who was inspired to create an organization for funding and research. With Castro at the helm, one hundred of her friends pledged $2,500 and joined the Royal Dames mission. Together, they created the 501(c)(3) non-profit: the Royal Dames of Cancer Research, Inc.

Today, the Royal Dames support the ground-breaking work being done at the Rumabaugh-Goodwin Institute for Cancer Research, now located at Nova Southeastern University. We have come far, but with your help we can go the distance to find a cure.

The Royal Dames’ Mission

It is our fundamental belief that mankind is not destined to die of cancer. To this end, the Royal Dames are dedicated to funding research to find a cure.

Osteosarcoma survivor Olivia dances with her friend Aiden at the annual Tiara Ball

Dedication

Fighting for Our Mission to Eradicate Cancer

Service

Desire to Help Strengthen the Community

Strength

Unwavering Faith in Our Cause

Hope

Looking to Tomorrow for A Cure
Tiara Ball event photo
Woman with microphone giving a speech
Two people holding hands
Osteosarcoma survivor, Olivia, dances with her friend, Aiden, at the annual Tiara Ball.

- Sophia Mylona

President, Royal Dames of Cancer Research, Inc.

“Dear Members and Donors,"

For more than six decades, the Royal Dames of Cancer Research has been guided by a simple but powerful belief: that together, we can change the future of cancer. Because of your generosity, advocacy, and unwavering commitment, that belief has become real progress and real hope for patients and families everywhere.

Cancer research is not abstract, it saves lives. It drives breakthroughs in prevention, detection, treatment, and survivorship, and brings hope in moments when it is hardest to hold. Through this work, we move closer to a world where cancer no longer defines outcomes or limits possibility.

Since 1969, you have been the driving force behind this progress. Your support of our fundraising, volunteer leadership, and steadfast support have advanced critical research, sustained scientists at every stage of discovery, and ensured innovation continues even in challenging times. Our mission would simply not be possible without you, our members and donors.

While we are proud of how far we have come, the work ahead remains urgent. Cancer is one of the most complex challenges of our time, and continued investment in research is essential. On behalf of our board, researchers, and all whose lives have been touched by this work, thank you for believing in science, standing with patients and families, and helping shape the future of cancer care.

With deep gratitude,

Governance

The Foundation Of Excellence

We are a community of volunteers. Ever since our founding over fifty years ago, all of our proceeds have gone to cancer research.

The Royal Dames maintains its mission to eradicate cancer. As of today, millions of dollars have been raised to encourage and aid individuals fighting the battle with cancer. Our funds have also gone toward enriching and supporting educational programs and critical cancer research at the Rumbaugh-Goodwin Institute.

The 2026 Board Officers

The Minds Behind the Mission

PRESIDENT

Sophia Mylona

THIRD VICE PRESIDENT, PUBLIC RELATIONS

Caroline Mozo

VICE PRESIDENT, WAYS AND MEANS

Bonnie Mitten

TREASURER

Martha Bohler

SECOND VICE PRESIDENT, MEMBERSHIP

Ladan Ahmadi

RECORDING SECRETARY

Victoria Martoccia

2026 Board Of Trustees

Bonnie Barnett

Sharon Gustafson Florescue

Sharon McQuilian

Carole Nugent

Joey Stotsky

Martha Bohler

Carol Kalagher

Bonnie Mitten

Ladan Ahmadi Patel

Shannon Brown Wayte

Terra Buckley

Lisa Kasten

Caroline Mozo

Giuliana Pelletier

Nancy Westin

Sharon Gustafson
Florescue

Victoria Martoccia

Sophia Mylona

Rhonda Ritchie

2026 Advisory Board of Trustees

Leading with Purpose

Gloria Jacaruso

Bailey Brooks Mashburn

Hilary Reid

Ava Shore

Past Presidents

The Visionaries Who Shaped Our Future

2018-2025

Ms. Carole Nugent

2010-2011

Mrs. Janet Davis

2006-2007

Mrs. Carmen Hotchkiss

1997-1998

Dr. Marietta Glazer

1988-1991

Dr. Nell Lewis McGuire

1979-1981

Mrs. Theresa Castro

2016-2018

Ms. Rhonda Ritchie

2009-2010

Dr. Marietta Glazer

2003-2006

Mrs. Robin Blackwell Lööf

1996-1997

Mrs. Patty Grace

1986-1988

Mrs. Helen Isley

1977-1979

Mrs. Millicent Steele

2013-2016

Ms. Carole Nugent

2008-2009

Mrs. Sharon Navarro

2000-2003

Mrs. Sharron Navarro

1993-1996

Mrs. Lorraine Thomas

1983-1986

Mrs. Marleen Wiersum

1975-1977

Mrs. Bernadette Guida

2011-2013

Mrs. Joey Stotsky

2007-2008

Mrs. Lorraine Thomas

1998-2000

Mrs. Jullianne Finch

1991-1993

Mrs. Donna Casto

1981-1983

Mrs. Marge Cooper

1969-1975

Mrs. Theresa Castro

Fiscal Responsability

A Commitment to Transparency

The Royal Dames are committed to handling all donations responsibly, furthering cancer research, and aiding those in need.

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