Summer Series of Impact: Volume 11

In this last issue of the series, we outline the transformative difference YOU have helped to create for patients, families, and healthcare professionals through Golf Fights Cancer's Priority of Giving, Patient & Family Supports - Bereavement Resources.

Patient & Family Supports - Bereavement Resources

Although advancements in research and treatment continue to improve health outcomes, cancer remains the second leading cause of death in the United States and around the world. More than 600,000 individuals die in our country each year, with more than1,500 of the deceased under the age of 20.

Unfortunately, no one is prepared for the experience of grief. Each person reacts differently to the loss of a loved one. Even if one believes they are strong or well-prepared, the feelings can be intense and overwhelming. Some may not know where to turn for support, care, or help along such an unchartered journey. This can be true for many healthcare professionals, too. Focused on treating cancer and saving lives, many report not feeling equipped to provide the expert support many families need following the death of a patient.

In our commitment to patients, families, and healthcare providers across the entire spectrum of the cancer experience, Golf Fights Cancer has invested significant funding for high quality, accessible, and compassionate support for those facing the devastating loss of a loved one. Including in-person retreats and camps, online support groups and resources, and hospital-based staffing, our community has worked hard to ensure individuals and families facing a loss can access help when it is needed most.

Rett's Roost

2022 Open To Healing

Bereavement Retreat

Rett's Roost

2022 Open To Healing

Bereavement Retreat

Highlighted Investments:

Camp Sunshine: Funding for a Bereavement Program to provide emotional support for families of children that lost their battle with cancer.

Rett's Roost: Multi-year funding to provide a peaceful and supportive place for families that have experienced childhood cancer or child loss by offering holistic retreats that create connection, nurture hope, and honor the power of grief and love.

Tufts Medical Center: Funding for a new Bereavement Coordinator position to support families and healthcare providers following the loss of a loved one to cancer.

“This was a tough step to take. It was hard to go knowing that we were heading straight into our grief. But I'm SO GLAD we followed through. My heart needed it. I met some amazing families. I felt comfortable in a group setting for the first time in a long while, instead of being the odd one out. I saw my children make real progress in processing their grief...Thank you Rett's Roost and all the families and volunteers involved."

-Rett's Roost retreat participant

Learn more about our grant history.

David Sullivan

If you had told David Sullivan a few years ago that he would run three Boston Marathons for Golf Fights Cancer and Team GFC, he wouldn’t have believed it. Inspired by his niece, Kiley, and his desire to make a difference for other children and families facing pediatric cancer, David embarked on a challenge that changed not only his life, but the lives of so many others.

The first word most people share when speaking about David is 'positive'. No matter the situation, his ever present smile and positivity inspire those around him to look for the good and to find a way to help others. This was true when Kiley was was diagnosed with stage 4 Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer of the soft tissue, when she was only 5 years old. David channeled the devastation and fear from the diagnosis and committed himself to supporting Kiley and other children facing cancer. Remarkably, Kiley, now 13, continues to beat the odds for those diagnosed with her type of cancer!

It was Kiley's strength and bravery that inspired David to work extremely hard and lose over 100 pounds through a combination of diet and exercise – primarily running. He ran as a part of Team GFC in 2019, 2020 and 2021, raising over $30,000 for pediatric cancer research and programs to support families with a child impacted by the disease. So much about cancer can be sad, David's positive presence and determination to help others continues to be a bright light and inspiration. His long-term impact on our mission and those he ran with as part of Team GFC will last a lifetime.

“David's positive nature and his impact on others is truly remarkable. When faced with his niece's cancer, he found a way to take control and do everything he could to help. By running for Team GFC and becoming a part of our mission, David helped to increase much-needed resources for rare pediatric cancers. I often think of his positivity and determination when continuing the work of GFC. No matter how difficult or insurmountable a challenge may be, we can all be inspired to do what we can to make a difference!”

-Cheryl McGuire, Executive Director

That's All For Now...

Thank you for taking the time to learn about our mission and the tremendous difference our community of donors, supporters, and partners have made, AND CONTINUE TO MAKE, for cancer patients, their families, and healthcare providers! We know that we couldn't do it alone and are extremely thankful for each and every person that has been a part of the Golf Fights Cancer story over the last 18 years.

If you aren't already, please take a moment to FOLLOW GFC across our social channels (links below). It is the best way to stay up to date on all of our efforts and opportunities to make a difference in the fight against cancer. Happy Fall!