Summer Series of Impact: Volume 9

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 - Pediatric Comfort Care.

Patient & Family Supports - Pediatric Comfort Care

Although considered rare, it is estimated that over 15,000 children ages 0-19 will be diagnosed with cancer in the United States this year. For those diagnosed, treatment can last between a few months and several years, with the first year typically the most intensive.

A child's daily life, which would normally be spent at school or at home with family and friends, quickly shifts to one spent mostly in the hospital, either in-patient or in a specialized clinic. Management of disease symptoms, treatment side effects, and their child's potentially dangerous compromised immunity becomes the daily focus for parents and caregivers.

Since inception, Golf Fights Cancer has invested significant funding for specialized programs that bring joy, comfort, and a sense of normalcy, even for just a moment, to children and families facing a pediatric cancer diagnosis. From bedside massages and craft activities for the sickest patients, to special events in clinics and support from child life specialists, our community of donors and partners have created countless smiles and 'cancer-free' moments for the thousands of children during treatment.

Highlighted Investments:

Hasbro Children's Hospital (RI): Funding for the Tomorrow Fund Clinic to facilitate a pediatric oncology playroom for patients.

Hole in the Wall Gang Camp (MA): Multi-year funding for the activation of the Hospital Outreach Program at Boston Children's Hospital and The Jimmy Fund Clinic at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, providing group and bedside activities to pediatric cancer patients.

Lucy’s Love Bus (MA): Multi-year funding for delivery of comfort care to children with cancer, including bedside massage, yoga, and meditation training and individual sessions proven to alleviate pain and reduce anxiety. .

Mia's Miracles (FL): Funding for the launch of their Family Fun Events Program for the Pediatric Oncology Department at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami, Florida.

One Mission (MA & RI): Funding for the One Mission Special Occasion Party Program at Boston Children's Hospital, The Jimmy Fund Clinic at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Hasbro Children's Hospital.

In collaboration with 'The Truck' family from the Korn Ferry Tour, GFC recently provided initial funding to Mia's Miracles, a newly established non-profit created in memory of Mia Villegas, the 22-month-old daughter of Camillo and Maria Villegas who tragically passed away from cancer of the brain and spine. This grant helped launch Mia's Miracles' Fun Family Events Program at Nicklaus Children's Hospital in Miami, FL.

"Thank You so much for your amazing donation and for joining us in honoring Mia's life. Being there for those in need has become extremely healing for both of us. Thanks for supporting us on our mission to bring joy to those who need it the most, especially the pediatric cancer patients at Nicklaus Children's Hospital"

-Maria & Camilo Villegas, Co-Founders, Mia's Miracles

A young patient enjoying magic sand at Mia's Miracles' "It's a Summer Bash" celebration at Nicklaus Children's Hospital.

Learn more about our grant history.

Dianne & Ed Lynch

Golf Fights Cancer and our community of supporters are like family to Dianne and Ed Lynch. Involved in all aspects of the mission since the beginning, their influence can be felt in everything we do.

Their devotion to patients, families, and healthcare providers stems from their son Jack, who lost a 3-year-battle with cancer at age four, and from Dianne's experience as a breast cancer survivor.

Inspired by Dianne and Ed's resilience, unique experience, ongoing fundraising efforts, and dedication to other families impacted by cancer, GFC has contributed significant resources to provide comfort care and specialized supports to pediatric cancer patients. Since inception, these resources included support for Tufts Medical Center (formerly Floating Hospital for Children) and The Jack Lynch Family Fund. This fund allowed for the creation of Jack’s Family Lounge, a place of respite for families of patients on the seventh floor of the Floating Building, and the distribution of critical ancillary supports to families, including parking passes, gas cards, Uber rides, and meal vouchers.

"When you are facing cancer as a family, you can feel like you have no control. By using our experience to help others, we have been able to take back that control and honor the memory of Jack and the strength of our family."

-Dianne & Ed Lynch

“The Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Tufts Medical Center owe so much to Dianne and Ed for their dedicated support over the years. Along with Golf Fight Cancer, they have been our champions in so many ways and our patients and their families benefit from their generosity every day. The entire Pediatric Hematology/Oncology family gives them our sincerest thanks.”

-Jason Law, MD, Chief of Pediatric Hematology Oncology and the Director of Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplantation at Tufts Medical Center

Patient & Family Supports - Bereavement Resources

Join us next week for Volume 10 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.