Miracles Happen, a new benefit to raise funds for recurrent breast cancer research, received strong support from a sell-out crowd of 600 guests who turned out on November 8 at Shaker Heights Country Club in Shaker Heights.

Approximately $500,000 was raised for the Diana Hyland Miracle Fund, which was recently established with the mission to advance research for recurrent breast cancer -- focusing on new theories, trials and treatments aimed at managing the cancer and extending lives.

The goal is to raise $1 million to partially establish an Endowed Chair in Metastatic Breast Cancer Research for Paula Silverman, M.D., Associate Professor of Medicine and Medical Director, Breast Cancer Program and Ambulatory Services, Ireland Cancer Center, University Hospitals Case Medical Center.

Ned Hyland of Shaker Heights created this fund and benefit in memory of his wife, Diana, who, after recovering from her first bout with breast cancer 10 years ago, lost her battle with the devastating disease of metastatic breast cancer on October 27. Diana was also instrumental in the creation of the fund and the planning of the event.

Special remembrances and toasts in honor of Diana were presented by Ned Hyland, Paula Silverman, M.D., Rody Olmstead, Chip Corlett, Dennis Gallagher, Ann Marie Hawkins, Floyd Stefanski and Matthew O’Hearn.

Party guests were entertained by lively Motown music by The Band Power House. The gourmet menu was designed and presented by Michael Symon, Iron Chef America and Owner of Lola and Lolita; Paul Minnillo, Owner of Baricelli Inn; and Michael Klocinksi, Head Chef at Shaker Heights Country Club. The delicious food was enhanced by a beautiful ice sculpture featuring the “Miracles Happen” shamrock logo.

The highlight of the evening’s premier auction was the framed Masters Champions Green Jacket signed by 20 former champions (Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Raymond Floyd, Tom Watson, Ben Crenshaw, Nick Faldo, Ian Woosnam, Mike Weir, Craig Stadler, Larry Mize, Jose Maria Olazabal, Seve Ballesteros, Zach Johnson, Fuzzy Zoeller, Tommy Aaron, Charles Coody, and Gay Brewer) which went for more than $10,000.

University Hospitals Ireland Cancer Center is focused on becoming a leader in recurrent breast cancer research. Ongoing research will ensure that Ireland’s physicians and scientists can continue to develop tomorrow’s innovative therapies. Miracles Happen was the first of many events aimed at spreading awareness and raising funds for this critical research at University Hospitals. For more information, visit www.dianahylandmiraclefund.org.