Summer Series of Impact: Volume 6

In this week’s issue, we outline the transformative difference YOU have helped to create for patients, families, and healthcare professionals through support of one of Golf Fights Cancer's most pressing and transformative Priorities of Giving: Adult Cancer Research.

Adult Cancer Research

Similar to our commitment towards pediatric cancer research, Golf Fights Cancer has allocated over $1.2 Million for cutting-edge work to improve treatment options for rare and predominantly terminal adult cancers.

With the generous support of our community of donors, and in many cases led by friends and families of loved ones lost to the disease, GFC has focused much of our fundraising efforts on Glioblastoma and Pancreatic cancer. For both diagnoses, the five-year survival rate is less than 10% and the median survival rate is 15 months to 2 years. Sadly, there are very few treatment options available following diagnosis for these types of brain and upper GI cancers.

Highlighted Investments:

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute: Multi-year funding has been made to The CRUS11TOUR Fund in memory of David H. Hovey, III for Glioblastoma research led by Dr. David Reardon and Dr. Patrick Wen. Diagnosed with Glioblastoma in 2015, Davey passed away less than two years later at the age of 26. Throughout his treatment process, Davey inspired and rallied everyone around him in his commitment to increase awareness and to help find a cure.

Rhode Island Hospital: Multi-year funding has been made to The Browning Cancer Research Fund in memory of Dr. Richard A. Browning. Before being diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer in 2012, Rick served as Chief of Anesthesia at Rhode Island Hospital and The Miriam Hospital, as well as Clinical Professor of Anesthesia at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. Rick's fund has supported dozens of investigator initiated clinical trials, including several phase I studies and the work of Dr. Howard Safran, targeting improved treatment options for Pancreatic cancer.

Cheryl McGuire (far left), joins Lisa Browning and Ted Fisher (center) in presenting the proceeds from Ted's 2021 Boston Marathon campaign to officials at Rhode Island Hospital. In total, Ted's Boston Marathon collective efforts have raised more than $250,000 in memory of his good friend, Rick, a beautiful tribute to friendship.

Sarah Curry, Dave Hovey, and former GFC board member, John Cooney, present the proceeds from their 2016 Golf Marathon fundraising efforts to Dr. David Reardon at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in December, 2016. Dave would pass away from Glioblastoma less than 2 months later.

Learn more about our grant history.

Gus Phelps

Gus Phelps is a man on a mission! Dedicating most of 2022 to raising critical funds and awareness for Glioblastoma research in honor and memory of friends and family impacted by this devastating form of brain cancer, Gus is steadfast in his commitment to bring about change.

While organizing multiple fundraising efforts in the Spring and Summer of 2022, Gus inspired more than 300 donations totaling over $175,000 for The CRUS11TOUR Fund at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. It is widely believed that this research will lead to better treatment options, longer survival rates, and ultimately a cure for Glioblastoma!

As one of 16 members of Team GFC, Gus was crowned the top fundraiser for the entire John Hancock Boston Marathon Non-Profit Program - besting more than 2,100 other fundraising runners. While training for the historic race for the 2nd time in 25 years, Gus energized and motivated all around him.

Connected to the Hovey Family through their summers spent in Chatham, and in celebration of his friend, Ginger Dreier, as she successfully continues her Glioblastoma treatment, Gus is one of GFC's most humble heroes.

Gus' efforts harnessing the collective giving power of both the running and golf communities will make an immediate and tangible impact for those currently facing this rare form of brain cancer.

Rob Dreier, Gus Phelps, and Dave & Leigh Hovey present the proceeds from the 2022 campaign for The CRUS11TOUR Fund at DFCI to Dr. Patrick Wen.

Treatment Access

Join us next week for Volume 7 in the series to learn more about the critical impact Golf Fights Cancer is making through our investment in supports to increase Treatment Access for the most vulnerable patients facing cancer.