For over 30 years, Jim Islam and Marilyn Nye-Islam have dedicated themselves to supporting cancer research in the community and at the University of Florida. Their latest philanthropic effort, the Jim and Marilyn Islam Fund for Pediatric Cancer Research, reflects their commitment to advancing pediatric cancer research.
“This gift will allow our team to recruit the best and brightest when it comes to pediatric hematology/oncology researchers and provide funding to get exciting new research projects off the ground,” said William Slayton, M.D., associate professor of pediatrics and chief of the division of pediatric hematology and oncology at the UF College of Medicine.
Ultimately, this endowed fund will support a Rising Star professorship in the UF College of Medicine department of pediatrics division of hematology/oncology, helping to attract and retain early career faculty who demonstrate excellence in research and teaching.
The Islams’ goal is to help as many children as possible.
Marilyn’s journey in this cause began through her volunteer leadership with Stop Children’s Cancer, an organization founded in 1981 to raise $1 million to support children with cancer and fund pediatric cancer research. She witnessed the heartbreak of families who lost children to the disease and is driven to push research forward, ensuring that today’s children have hope for a cure.
“Thanks to advancements in research, children who would not have survived their diagnosis two decades ago are now able to do so,” she said. “Our goal is to continue building on this progress to improve outcomes for even more kids facing cancer.”
Jim and Marilyn share more than a heart for helping others, they both have an entrepreneurial spirit and a love for business.
Marilyn has been a dedicated advocate for the community for nearly four decades. Known for her leadership and service, she established Holiday Traditions, a Stop Children’s Cancer event, that supported pediatric cancer research through performances by local youth choirs and orchestras. She has served as president of the organization and remains an active advisory committee member. Until her retirement, Marilyn owned Blue Ribbon Realty. She has been involved with a variety of civic groups, including serving on the boards of many local organizations. Her enthusiasm for helping others stems from her early career as a drama and physical education teacher, and she has continuously channeled that dedication into real estate and philanthropy.
Jim built a remarkable career over the decades. He started working at Garden Food Company, Inc. in 1961, serving as vice president and general manager, and later became a partner and president of Florida Food Service, a family-run food distribution company in Gainesville. His leadership extended beyond business; Jim has been deeply involved in philanthropic efforts, including his work with the American Cancer Society and Stop Children’s Cancer.
In memory of Joan Islam, Jim’s late first wife, he and their son Joel recently established the Joan Islam Rising Star Professorship in Neonatology to support neonatal care and research at UF. Joan, who passed away from cancer in 2003, was a foster mother to over 75 children while raising five children and caring for 15 grandchildren.
Jim and Marilyn met while organizing the American Cancer Society’s Denim and Diamonds event in 2005 where Jim managed the food committee, and Marilyn coordinated the entertainment. As they worked side by side, a deep friendship formed, and over time transformed into love. Jim proposed, and soon after, they were married on a beach in St. Thomas. The couple is excited to celebrate 20 years of marriage on Valentine’s Day.
As they look ahead, the Islams hope their gift will inspire others to give back.
“Every little bit helps,” Marilyn said. “Whether it’s your time or your money, it all makes a difference.”
For Jim and Marilyn, this gift represents a commitment to ensuring that every child has hope for a long and fulfilling life.
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Jim and Marilyn Islam Fund for Pediatric Cancer Research
Your gift will support pediatric cancer research at the University of Florida College of Medicine.