Santa Ynez, California, United States: Golf Beats Cancer (GBC), a non-profit organisation dedicated to improving integrative therapy for cancer patients through the game of golf, has partnered with the American Cancer Society’s Sports and Entertainment Group, for a series of showcase events and fund-raisers 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 an aggressive chemotherapy regiment.
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 programme, 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 programme 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 a number of showcase events with GBC in 2018 in selected cities throughout the United States.
The first event will be at Ojai Valley Inn and Spa, in California, on June 10-11. 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 Centre.
“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.