|
This week's newsletter focuses on our investments in removing barriers to early detection and access to high-quality care for marginalized communities, a leader who refuses to accept a life-limiting inequity, and a 'Then and Now' of GFC's Good Guy Invitational.
As you read and learn more, remember, none of this would be possible without each and every member of the Golf Fights Cancer community!
| |
|
Beginning in 2016, GFC identified the impact of social determinants of health as a high priority and has since invested over $3 Million in staffing and programs providing community-based interventions to reduce disparities in cancer screenings, treatment access, and health outcomes.
Keep reading for a quick snapshot of GFC's impact:
| |
|
Zero Prostate Cancer - ZERO360
Did you know? Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed and second leading cause of cancer death among American men. But, when caught early, It is HIGHLY curable, with a 5-year survival rate of nearly 100% when diagnosed at Stage 1.
Unfortunately, Black men are 1.7 times more likely to get the disease and 2.1 times more likely to die from the disease than white men.
Knowing that thousands of Black men were dying from preventable deaths each year, GFC board member, Dr. Jack Hoppin, sounded an alarm, identifying disparities in prostate cancer screening and survival rates as a critical issue in need of our attention (read more below). ⬇️
Launching the multi-year Boston Black Men's Prostate Cancer Initiative in 2023, GFC's first investment focused on providing case management support and the removal of financial barriers to care through the ZERO360 program.
| |
|
ZERO360 is a free, comprehensive service, staffed by case managers who help patients and their families:
- navigate insurance
- find resources to help pay for treatment and living expenses
- connect with emotional support services
- ensure access to care.
| |
|
Family Reach - Cancer Equity Initiative
From the moment of diagnosis, race, ethnicity, income level, zip code, and language create financial and clinical barriers to cancer care. These factors should not define a patient’s chance of survival, but they do.
A leader in addressing the financial impact of cancer (and a GFC Beneficiary Partner since 2009), Family Reach launched its Cancer Equity Initiative in 2021 to address the severe financial barriers faced by Black and Hispanic/Latino communities. Through this work, 85% of Black and 80% of Hispanic/Latino patients reported a decrease in financial stress after working with Family Reach.
Thanks to generous support from our community, funding from Golf Fights Cancer allowed Family Reach to expand their Cancer Equity Initiative to Central Florida through a Community Partnership with Libby's Legacy Breast Cancer Foundation:
|
|
|
Dr. Jack Hoppin couldn't sleep! A scientist and GFC board member, his work in advancing radiopharmaceutical therapies for solid cancers continued to reinforce that NO ONE SHOULD DIE FROM PROSTATE CANCER (a moniker that will come up below)
Frustrated by the inequity in early detection and survival rates among Black Men, Jack assembled a team of community leaders, patient advocates, healthcare leaders, and Black men, all on the front lines of the issue, to launch the Black Men's Prostate Cancer Initiative - Raising Awareness and Providing Direct Support to Black Men in Boston Facing Prostate Cancer.
| |
|
In addition to engaging his community in the initiative, Jack led a team of golf marathoners in the 2023 & 2024 GFC Golf Marathon, raising $250,000 for the Black Men's Prostate Cancer Initiative. Jack's passion and drive will save thousands of lives!
(pictured left to right Jacob Hesterman, Shil Patel, Jack Hoppin & Andrew Novicki of Team 'No One Should Die of Prostate Cancer')
| |
|
First held in 2006 at Boston Golf Club, GFC's Good Guy Invitational (GGI) is a perfect mix of philanthropy and friendly competition!
Supporting transformative projects affecting cancer patients in communities surrounding the event each year, GGI proceeds have funded some of our most impactful investments, including the purchase of a Leica microscope and digital recording system for neurosurgery at Tufts Medical Center, world-renowned palliative care research at MGH Cancer Center, and the distribution of more than 60,000 meals across isolated communities on Cape Cod to cancer patients and caregivers.
Bragging rights are also on the line each year with foursomes vying to bring home the championship trophy 🏆
|
|
|
Golf Fights Cancer (GFC) is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization that taps into the passion and generosity of all golfers to raise much needed funds for cancer related organizations and families living with the disease. Specifically, GFC makes targeted donations for equipment, services, and/or amenities that make an immediate positive impact on treatment and the experience for both the patient and family. Since inception, we have distributed over $13 million to 85 different cancer-related charities and initiatives.
To learn more, visit golffightscancer.org
| | |
|
Golf Fights Cancer
300 Arnold Palmer Blvd.
Norton, MA 02776
Tax ID: 34-1987772
www.golffightscancer.org
Norton, MA 02766
| |
Follow us to learn more and stay up to date! | | | | |
