Miami Open Unites Program Demonstrates the Power of Partnership in Women’s Health
“Unites” is an appropriate word for the Miami Open’s community-based events. One couldn’t help but feel that sense of unity as the tennis world and healthcare organizations came together to help those in need in Miami-Dade County.
From a spirited presentation with the Promise Fund of Florida, Baptist Health and Hologic to the volunteer events, the overarching theme of the day was clear: through our collective hard work, there’s reason for hope for the women of southern Florida.
“We all recognize that there is power in partnership. We have united to raise awareness of the importance of prevention, inspiration and action, and provide financial support for underserved women in the Miami community,” said Ann Austin, Executive Director of the WTA Foundation.
Serving Up Equity for the Underserved
Hologic introduced a new facet to this year’s event: "Serving Up Greater Equity Against Breast Cancer." This event raised awareness and critical funds for breast cancer prevention and treatment in underserved communities. The WTA, ATP and Miami Open tournament director James Blake collaborated with doctors from Baptist Health, Nancy Brinker of the Promise Fund and Hologic CFO Karleen Oberton to speak to the power of partnership. Tour players Sloane Stephens and Karen Khachanov also made time to attend and elevate the profile of this session.
Quote from Nancy Brinker
This is really an exciting moment. It’s something that all of us in the battle against breast cancer have tried to make happen for many years. And that is to pair this cause with the energy of a top-notch sports association.
“When we champion women, we champion all women. We partner with amazing organizations like the Promise Fund to drive outcomes for women’s health,” said Hologic CFO Karleen Oberton.
Volunteerism Throughout Miami Communities
The day would not have been complete without the various volunteer events organized through the local community. Rebuilding Together offered an opportunity for ATP/WTA players Sebastian Korda, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Caroline Dolehide, Hailey Baptiste and Hologic employees to revitalize homes in need of some cosmetic upkeep. Together they painted houses for those who had not been able to afford or provide that maintenance themselves. It’s a wonder what a fresh coat of paint can do to a home and neighborhood.
At Health in the Hood, ATP/WTA players Cameron Norrie, Jasmine Paolini, Jack Draper, Nicolas Jarry and Hologic employees worked in the community garden, cleaning flower beds, harvesting ripe crops and planting the next wave of plants for the spring season. Community gardens in the area serve as a free source of nutritious food. Neighbors can even request specific produce and influence what plants are grown and how much of each is needed. These gardens also serve as a meeting place to bolster a sense of community. Event leader [name] described the Miami of her youth as a place where people knew everyone who lived on the surrounding streets. Today, it’s easier to lose that connection by spending more time in online communities than our physical ones.
The Miami Rescue Mission provides housing and food for individuals seeking to get their lives back on track. Whether they are escaping drug use, long-term unemployment or unsafe home environments, those seeking refuge here have a safe space for a fresh start. One resident shared his story and how he escaped a life of hard drugs to reclaim his passion for cooking and is now in the process of building his own catering business within an events company. Here ATP/WTA players Donna Vekic, Caroline Garcia, Holger Rune, Mackenzie McDonald, Hubert Hurkacz, Alexander Zverev and Hologic employees served food and talked with the many residents of the mission.
Making a Difference Together
As the proud title sponsor of the WTA, Hologic celebrates each tournament and makes donations to the WTA Foundation for every ace served during the tournament. However, the Miami Open serves as a special opportunity to emphasize all the good that comes from the sports and healthcare worlds collaborating to make a big local impact.