Summer Series of Impact: Volume 10

In this week’s issue, we outline the transformative difference YOU have helped to create for patients, families, and healthcare professionals through Golf Fights Cancer's extremely important (and many times joyous) Priority of Giving, Patient & Family Supports - Experiential Activities.

Patient & Family Supports - Experiential Activities

It can be difficult to capture in words just how impactful a 'break', an opportunity for a personal connection, or a change of scenery can make in the lives of those facing cancer. These experiences are proven to reduce stress, foster connections with loved ones, and instill joy and satisfaction in the lives of cancer patients, which in turn helps increase their ability to fight their illness.

Some of the common side effects impacting patients and their families during treatment include the everyday rigors and isolation of treatment, the always present stress and anxiety about survival, financial concerns, and the sadness over lost time with friends and family.

Research and feedback from patients and families continues to deepen our understanding of the healing power associated with opportunities that provide 'time away from cancer.' As a result, GFC has increased our investment in programs and activities that provide these reprieves, time for connections, extraordinary experiences, or sense of normalcy to patients and families facing cancer.

"When kids who are of school age go through cancer treatment, they feel alienated and different from the other kids. When they get to participate in an event like One Summits' Climb for Courage, they are given the opportunity to do something healthy kids are doing all the time.

I think for myself, knowing that they are doing these activities with Navy SEALs is completely unbelievable. But for the kids, it's simply an opportunity to be a kid for an afternoon. Our kids have grown up idolizing superheroes, so spending time with the Team at One Summit gives them the opportunity to meet and spend time with real heroes. It’s an opportunity of a lifetime."

-Eric Sterling, Hunter & Reid's dad

Hunter (cancer survivor) & his brother, Reid.

Highlighted Investments:

Apryle Showers (FL): Multi-year funding providing restorative recovery retreats for individuals and their families ages 30-55 currently undergoing treatment for cancer in the greater Jacksonville area.

One Summit (National): Funding for their mission to build resilience in pediatric cancer patients and their siblings through experiential activities with U.S. Navy SEALs, community engagement, and storytelling.

Team IMPACT (National): Multi-year funding connecting children facing cancer with college athletic teams, forming lifelong bonds and life changing outcomes. .

Tommy's Place (MA): Funding to provide cost-free vacations for children fighting cancer and their extended families at a magical vacation home located in Falmouth, MA.

“Despite the many challenges of our cancer journey, there were many blessings all along the way. We experienced the deep love and support of family and friends and even had people we never heard of bless us as well! Thanks to Apryle Showers, my husband, Mike and I were able to unplug completely and spend two fabulous nights on Amelia Island, enjoying great food, amazing accommodations, a Segway tour, and most importantly a deep time of connection just when we needed it most. Thank you all for this incredible blessing, we are grateful beyond measure!”

-Tina

An Apryle Showers Patient Beneficiary

Learn more about our grant history.

Pete Fox

Pete Fox was an extraordinary man with contagious energy whose legacy and desire to help others continues to impact so many!

Pete was a dedicated husband, father and friend, with a constant focus on helping others. He fought a fourteen-year battle against cancer, yet never asked for sympathy. Instead, he used his diagnosis and treatment as a motivator, becoming a spokesperson and fundraiser for several cancer-related charities. Pete lived with grace, strength and a persistent positive attitude, and consistently found a way to positively impact those around him. In return, he only asked that everyone appreciate and recognize the value of every single day!

Shortly before his passing in 2017, Pete founded The Gator Good Guys Collegiate Cup in collaboration with Golf Fights Cancer with a clear mission in mind: to inspire collegiate athletes to incorporate philanthropy into their lives. More specifically, Pete wanted to share his passion for giving with The University of Florida men’s golf team (his alma mater), allowing them to understand and experience the difference that they can make in their own communities.

Since inception, the annual event has raised more than $1 million for cancer-related charities directly impacting patients and their families, including Children's Cancer Therapy Development Institute, UF Health Shands Children's Hospital, and Team IMPACT.

“Pete Fox will always be remembered as a hero. He was so incredibly brave and left a lasting impact on the Florida Gators. His passion for mentoring our team on and off the course will remain with me and our guys forever.”

-Coach JC Deacon

University of Florida Men's Golf Team

Patient & Family Supports - Bereavement Resources

Join us next week for our final installment in the series to learn more about the critical impact Golf Fights Cancer is making through our investment in increasing access to Patient & Family Supports - Bereavement Resources for families and caregivers.