How has breast cancer affected your life?
Breast cancer has really given me a bigger perspective on life. I love playing golf and I feel very blessed to have my health and the career that I do but it's important that we don't take anything for granted. Life is very precious.
How would you describe your mom? And your relationship with your mom?
My mom is a fighter. She has battled many things in her life, including breast cancer, and she has a tenacity to her that is very unique. She's a really special person!
What were your first thoughts when you found out your mom had breast cancer?
I didn't know what to do...I felt helpless...I could only imagine how alone she felt...
How has your mom's fight been going?
It's been going great so far - knock on wood. She's an eight-year survivor.
Did it have an affect on your golf game?
It definitely did. I didn't have a clear head or play well for quite some time. It was really only when I knew she'd be ok that my game started to pick-up again.
How did you come up with the idea for Birdies for Breast Cancer?
The idea for Birdies came about very organically. I started the program small by donating $50 for every birdie I made and then over time, I got my sponsors to match my contributions. As we gained momentum, we started hosting events. We've raised about 1 million dollars so far.
What are your goals with BFBC? What do you hope you can achieve?
My hope is that we continue to grow our efforts and one day have an official LPGA event where Birdies is the beneficiary.
Now there is going to be The Cristie Kerr Women's Health Center on the Jersey City Medical Center campus. How does it feel to have your name on a place that will be helping woman with this fight?
It feels amazing! What an honor to have your name on something like that!
It will be the first place in Hudson County to have digital mammography and one of the only places that women with or without insurance can be screened for breast cancer and treated.
Is there anything you want to say to people that might be going through this same type of thing that you went through with your mom?
I would just like to say staying positive is the most important thing. These are difficult situations and keeping hope and staying positive are everything!
|
B4BC Charity Golf Classic a success >> | Money milestones for LPGA members >> |
