The Jean and Joan Cancer Fund Golf Tournament Sept. 26 celebrates 17th anniversary
The Jean and Joan Cancer Fund Golf Tournament is turning 17 this year! The fund was founded in 1999 in memory of Jean James and Joan Martin. Both were members of Kings Creek Country Club who courageously battled with and lost their lives to cancer. Family and friends of the brave women established the fund to provide other cancer victims in the community with the same support that Jean and Joan were so fortunate to experience.
On Sept. 26, the Jean and Joan Cancer Fund will host its 17th annual golf tournament at Kings Creek Country Club in Rehoboth Beach. The event raises money for patient services at Beebe Healthcare's Tunnell Cancer Center. Since 1999, golf tournament funds have been used to establish: the first Patient Special Needs Fund; to purchase three multipurpose transport vans; to procure specialized emergency and diagnostic treatment equipment; and to purchase bedside computerized workstations, infusion recliners, and 3D digital mammography. The funds have also been used to create the Jean and Joan Meditation Room and the Jean and Joan Garden at the Tunnell Cancer Center for patients undergoing treatment.
This year, the money raised at the tournament will help procure an additional patient transport van. Since 1999, the Jean and Joan Golf Tournament has contributed more than $450,000 for patient services at Tunnell Cancer Center. The Jean and Joan Fund Golf Tournament is the only source of fundraising for this very worthwhile fund, which is the official charity of Kings Creek Country Club. All funds raised at the tournament stay right here in Sussex County.
"The Jean and Joan Fund have been instrumental in funding our patient transportation program. Transportation is one of the most critical issues in the country for patients undergoing cancer treatment," said Cherrie Rich, RN, MSN, executive director of oncology services at Beebe Healthcare. "This program serves patients who are unable to drive to and from their treatments at Tunnell Cancer Center. In the past year, we were able to provide more than 3,000 patient transports. Over the years, Jean and Joan has funded the purchase of two wheelchair transport vans, with nine passenger seats each, and one car."
Those interested in supporting the Jean and Joan Cancer Fund Golf Tournament can do so by making a donation or becoming a tournament sponsor. People can also contribute by donating items to the live and silent auctions or prizes for tournament contests. Contributions to the Jean and Joan Cancer Fund come solely from the annual tournament and individual donations.
Vicki Tull, chairperson for this year's event, adds, "We are grateful to our community for the incredible support we receive each year; the ongoing commitment of our sponsors and golfers to the Jean and Joan Cancer Fund and Beebe's Tunnell Cancer Center speaks to the quality of care and attention patients receive. We look forward to an enjoyable day of golf and camaraderie, while supporting this important local institution."
Tom Protack, vice president of development for Beebe Medical Foundation, added, "It is truly amazing to how many sponsors and golfers have played for 17 years, consistently supporting our local community cancer center. Many of the planning committee members have also served faithfully for 17 years. This strong and loyal support has certainly changed and saved lives for so many of our local friends, neighbors, and family members who use the cancer center's services right here on Route 24. I encourage everyone, whether you are a golfer or not, to consider making a donation to Beebe's Tunnell Cancer Center. Live local, support local!"
For more information about sponsorship for this event or to make a donation, contact the Beebe Medical Foundation at 302-644-2900, or go to www.beebemedicalfoundation.org.
