By Leonard Finkel
SERIES OF SHOWCASE FUNDRAISING EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES
Golf Beats Cancer, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving integrative therapy for cancer patients through golf, has partnered with the American Cancer Society’s Sports and Entertainment Group for a series of showcase events and fundraisers throughout the United States in 2018.
Golf Beats Cancer was developed by founder Lee Embley as a way to cope with his own stage IV lung cancer diagnosis and treatment, which included aggressive chemotherapy. Following his oncology directive to stay active, Embley converted his local golf course into a wellness track where patients could fight fatigue, stay hydrated, improve cognition, practice balance, eat nutritiously and be social. GBC “Golf Buddies,” an extension of the program, encourages participating cancer survivors and other golf club members to become Golf Buddies to encourage and motivate GBC Players to get out, walk the course and embrace an “extended family” through golf.
“What began as a lifestyle self-care solution for me evolved into Links To More Good Days, a complete wellness and patient support program that is now being adopted by golf clubs all over the nation,” said Embley. “We are thrilled to partner with the American Cancer Society to effectively reach more patients and form more GBC Club partnerships. We are all about improving quality of life for cancer patients, in and out of the clubhouse.”
The American Cancer Society is planning several showcase events with GBC in 2018 in selected cities. The first event will be at Ojai Valley Inn and Spa, in California, on June 10th and 11th. The event begins with a 5K Wellness Walk on the Ojai Golf Course, and includes a golf tournament and gala dinner, with a keynote address by Fred Kass, MD, Head of Oncology at Ridley-Tree Cancer Center. To register for the event visit http://www.gbcpatientsupport.org/wellness-weekend.
“The American Cancer Society is delighted to partner with Golf Beats Cancer and participate in this first of many showcase events, so that cancer patients on the mend can have a fun way to exercise, improve their game, focus on wellness, and meet new friends in a healthy, outdoor environment,” said Cesley Tafoya, Strategic Director, Regional Sports & Entertainment for the American Cancer Society.
For more information on Golf Beats Cancer showcase events, to become a GBC Golf Buddy/GBC partner club or for other ways you can help support Golf Beats Cancer in its mission, visit http://www.gbcpatientsupport.org/.
Leonard Finkel is the author of The Secrets to the Game of Golf & Life and former editor in chief of Golf Journeys Magazine. His work has been featured in almost 200 publications including Golf Magazine, Golf Digest, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Golf Illustrated, Golf Tips and Player Magazine. He has written more than a dozen cover stories for Golf Today Magazine. He has written extensively about golf and travel and has added poker to his writing repertoire. Finkel also works as a marketing and public relations consultant. His specialty niche is writing advertorial copy. Prior to his career in golf, Finkel owned a chain of retail stores and a consulting and import company based in Asia. He attended the University of Utah.