Breast cancer affects approximately 200,000 women per year in the U.S. alone, according to the American Cancer Society. With rising numbers is breast cancer patients, several organizations have come forward raising money for much needed research in hopes of finding a cure. Golfing events are one such fundraiser bringing in millions of dollars yearly for breast cancer research and care.
Susan G. Komen Foundation
The Susan G. Komen Foundation was organized by the sister of a breast cancer victim. Komen's sister, Nancy G. Brinker, promised to do everything in her power to find a cure for breast cancer and help other women who were suffering from this deadly disease as her sister lay in the hospital on her death bed. In Komen's memory, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation was organized in 1982 to raise money for research, hospitals and improved patient care, according to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation's official website. Annual walks and golf tournaments are part of this ongoing promise. Women and men from all walks of life join together to compete in yearly golf tournaments, donning pink shirts and hats. Breast cancer awareness clubs, bags and other golfing equipment are also available, with most of the proceeds being donated to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
Rally for the Cure
Rally for the Cure is an organization that advocates breast cancer awareness by organizing many events, especially golfing. Teaming with golf equipment distributors, such as Titleist, Cleveland Golf, EWGA and Glove It, Rally for the Cure has held annual golf tournaments supplying players with specialized "pink ribbon" wedges, golf balls, gloves and golfing lessons for women with breast cancer. Their main goal is to ensure that women understand the importance of early detection and yearly breast examinations.
Birdies for Breast Cancer
Cristie Kerr, a member of Liberty National Golf Club, founded Birdies for Breast Cancer after enduring the pain and joy of a family member's fight with breast cancer, which came to a successful conclusion when the cancer was pushed into remission. According to Birdies For Breast Cancer's official website, with the sponsorship of LibertyHealth and Jersey City Medical Center, celebrities gather to play golf tournaments with all proceeds going to Cristie Kerr Womens Health Center for the ongoing research in curing and treating breast cancer. The money raised during golfing events also helps pay for early detection and prevention, such as free mammograms and educational material for women who cannot afford them and have no insurance.
Val Skinner Foundation
Six-time Ladies Professional Golf Association winner Val Skinner created the Val Skinner Foundation after losing a close friend and fellow LPGA participant, Heather Farr to breast cancer. According to Val Skinner Foundation's website, Farr was 28 years old when succumbing to breast cancer. Organizing golfing events in 1996, 1997 and 1998, Skinner raised $500,000 for the National Breast Cancer Coalition. After this success, Skinner started the LIFE golfing event in 2000 to raise money for breast cancer awareness and early detection efforts. Working closely with the Susan G. Komen Foundation and the LPGA as well as many professional athletes such as Tiger Woods and Andre Agassi, Skinner holds an annual one day golfing tournament, raising more than $6 million in breast cancer funding since the founding of LIFE in 2000.
