The LPGA's official national charity is the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. The Komen Foundation has made remarkable strides in raising funds for cutting-edge breast cancer research and supports education, screening and treatment projects. The LPGA provides the Komen Foundation with another avenue through which to meet its goals and communicate its messages.
As a women's organization with strong family ties, the LPGA has been affected first-hand by breast cancer and knows too well the disease's devastating results on the individual, family and friends. The LPGA has several members and staff who have lost their battles with breast cancer: Heather Farr, who joined the LPGA in 1985, died on Nov. 20, 1993, following a four-and-a-half year battle with breast cancer, which was diagnosed in 1989 at the age of 24; on July 6, 1996, Kathy Ahern, an LPGA Tour player and LPGA Teaching and Club Professional (T&CP) member, passed away after a five-year battle; and LPGA Director of Tournament Operations Suzanne Jackson lost her courageous seven-and-a-half year battle with breast cancer on Nov. 11, 1998, at the age of 46.
In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the following stories are part of a series, focusing on the LPGA and its players' efforts in the fight against breast cancer.
GAIL GRAHAM—Weekend to End Breast Cancer walk
Breast cancer impacted Gail Graham and her sister Pam Hoeschle when their mother Alice Anderson was diagnosed in 1999 and, again, in 2005. Graham said the desire to honor their mother, bring attention to “the ongoing battle so many of our friends and family fight, and to raise valuable dollars for research,” prompted the sisters to participate in the third-annual Weekend to End Breast Cancer walk in British Columbia in August.
 In its third year, the 2006 event brought together more than 2,100 participants who walked 60 km (36 miles) in two days with each participant raising a minimum of $2,000 for a 2006 total of $5.5 million.
After an opening ceremony at Plaza of Nations in Vancouver, participants start their first 30 km walk to “Tent City,” where they camp for the night, take hot showers and are provided with meals and entertainment. They rest for the night in order to finish the final 30 km the next day.
“Crossing the finish line offers a great sense of accomplishment and relief,” Graham said. “We were thrilled not only that we could be there and finish, but that we could contribute to the campaign to eradicate breast cancer and of course, show our support of our Mom whose recovery is on going.”
To-date, the event has raised $17 million, which benefits the British Columbia Cancer Foundation, an independent charitable organization, which supports research and enhancements to care throughout British Columbia at the BC Cancer Agency.
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DONNA ANDREWS—Donates lessons
Donna Andrews returns home annually to promote breast cancer awareness. Each year, she donates a playing lesson for three golfers to an auction at a local cancer tournament in Lynchburg, Va. The money raised during the tournament stays in the Lynchburg area and is used to provide free mammograms. One of the teams Andrews is scheduled to play with are all cancer survivors. Andrews' mother, Helen, is also a survivor.
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Heather Farr Player Award
Heather Farr, who joined the LPGA in 1985, died on Nov. 20, 1993, following a four-and-a-half year battle with breast cancer, which was diagnosed in 1989 at the age of 24. In celebration of her life, the LPGA has established an annual award in Heather Farr's name. Find out more about Heather Farr and see a list of past winners. Click here>> |
LAURIE BROWER—Swing for a Cure; Lubbock affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Foundation
Current and former LPGA Tour professionals gathered in Lubbock, Texas, for a Swing for a Cure event in which groups of four—many of whom have been diagnosed with breast cancer—golfed nine holes with a professional. Laurie Brower organized the event and was enthusiastic with its success.
“It was great; we made $20,000 in our first year,” said Brower. “Within 48 hours, we could have had 12 of 22 groups filled for next year. It's a good excuse to get together and raise money for a great cause.”
Entry fees were $300 per person. Some of the professionals participating included five-time Tour winner Pat Hurst, LPGA Tour and World Golf Halls of Famer Kathy Whitworth, and Judy Rankin, who made her first public appearance since she started undergoing treatments for breast cancer.
Brower said outdoor activities in the morning were moved inside due to rain, but the women enjoyed a chance for an informal Q&A session with the pros. Once the rain stopped, the women watched the pros warm up before starting play.
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SALLY QUINLAN—Suzanne Jackson Breast Cancer Fund
Suzanne Jackson was an LPGA rules official who died of breast cancer five years ago. Since her death, Sally Quinlan, a friend of Jackson's and former LPGA Tour member, would visit Jackson's plaque in the living desert annually.
“She was a great rules official, never played favorites, even as she was assessing you two strokes, or not giving you relief for a drop. She had a twinkle in her eye and a great sense of humor,” Quinlan said. “When I heard she had breast cancer, I was deeply affected. She gave a great six-year battle to cancer. She was so brave and had such a great attitude the entire time.”
For the past couple of years, a breast cancer walk in the desert would raise money for the Suzanne Jackson Breast Cancer Fund, but this year, it was in honor of another person who had died of breast cancer. That's when Quinlan, who is the executive director of the Ventura County Junior Golf Association (VCJGA), decided to play 100 holes of golf in one day. The money raised would go toward a scholarship for a VCJGA golfer in memory of Jackson. On June 21, she teed up at Las Posas Country Club in Camarillo, Calif., and has announced the first recipient of the scholarship is Wyeth Bonney, who has been awarded $4,000 for his final two years at Sacramento State University.
“My little 100 holes is such a small thing to do in her memory, but it was really nice to have so many LPGA pros in my age group send a donation in her memory,” said Quinlan, whose mother is a seven-year breast cancer survivor. “She was loved and respected by us all.”
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The Val Skinner Foundation
After much time investigating and identifying the appropriate way to respond and educate young women in our country, the Val Skinner Foundation, the Susan G. Komen Foundation and the Cancer Institute of New Jersey worked together to co-conceptualize the young women's initiative which involves a multifaceted approach to educating young women as well as healthcare providers regarding awareness, breast cancer risks and early breast cancer detection.
Val's efforts include the annual LIFE event, On the Way to the Cure - Komen On the Go Tour, and the GUND-Life Bear collection. Read More>>
The Val Skinner Foundation has raised $3.5 million in the fight against breast cancer.
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Cristie Kerr plays to fight breast cancer
Cristie Kerr founded Birdies for Breast Cancer after her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003.
As of October 1st, Cristie has recorded 337 birdies in her 2006 season. Cristie donates $50 for every birdie she makes on Tour and raises money from individuals and corporations who pledge donations for every birdie she records on Tour. Read More>> |
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Online with Laura pays tribute to Barb Eagleson who lost her fight with breast cancer and passed away on Saturday, September 19, 2006. Laura formed a bond with the Eaglesons, after Al, Barb's husband, wrote a letter to the LPGA giving an account of his wife's battle with breast cancer and how Cristie Kerr had touched their lives. Read More>>
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A Lucky Quarter for Cristie Kerr
Al Eagleson attended the CN Canadian Women's Open and gave Cristie Kerr a "Lucky Quarter" that he had used while his wife was battling breast Cancer. Cristie ended up winning the tournament with the "Lucky Quarter" in her pocket. Al wrote the LPGA a letter about his experience and it was posted on LPGA.com. Cristie Kerr received a copy of Al's letter and was so touched, she personally contacted Al and Barb to thank them and also sent the couple a framed photo of her CN Canadian Women's Open win. In addition, Kerr presented the Eaglesons with a $5,000 donation for the breast cancer charity of their choice in the London, Ontario, area. Kerr plans to carry "The Quarter" with her as she plays for continued good luck the rest of the season. Read the letter>>
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For more than 20 years, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation has been a global leader in the fight against breast cancer through its support of innovative research and community-based outreach programs.
Facts, Risk Factors, and Myths on Breast Cancer.
Click here>>
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People everywhere are Passionately Pink for the Cure™!
More than the color for breast cancer awareness, pink represents the promise between two sisters to find a cure for breast cancer. That promise started the Komen Foundation and ignited the passion of millions to create a world without breast cancer. Are you passionate?
Passionately Pink for the Cure™ is a new, year-round fundraising and education program kicking off October 1, 2006, in conjunction with National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The program encourages companies, schools and organizations to take that promise, make it their own, and make a difference by supporting breast cancer research, education, screening and treatment. Learn More>>
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Komen Race for the Cure
In addition to raising funds, the Komen Race for the Cure® Series is committed to educating the public about early detection, the strongest method of surviving this life-threatening disease. The five-year survival rate is 95 percent when the disease is discovered while still confined to the breast.
The Komen Race for the Cure® Series helps raise awareness of the importance of a positive breast health program – annual mammography beginning at age 40, clinical breast exams at least every three years beginning at age 20 and annually at age 40, and monthly breast self-examinations for all women beginning by age 20.
Find a Race near you. Click here>>
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