Our last newsletter of the summer focuses on two areas of Impact - early detection & palliative care, a sister determined to keep her brother's legacy alive, and a 'Then and Now' featuring the future leaders of Golf Fights Cancer (be prepared to feel old!).

Thank You for taking this impact journey with us over the last six weeks - we couldn't be prouder of the transformational difference we've created together!

Detecting cancer early, and acting on it quickly, is the best way to save and improve the lives of the 40% of us who will receive a cancer diagnosis in our lifetime.

Did you know? Members of the fire service have a 9% increased risk of developing cancer and a 14% greater risk of dying from cancer than the general public.

Recognizing an alarming prevalence of the disease within the fire service, Golf Fights Cancer has directed close to $850,000 in funding to improve cancer survival through early detection and patient self-advocacy education focused on firefighters through support of the mission and activities of DetecTogether.

Life-Saving Impact: Julio's Story

Pancreatic cancer is often caught in late-stage. Thanks to DetecTogether's 3 Steps Detect, Captain Julio Delucchi caught his cancer early.

"As a cancer liaison for Station 36, San Francisco Fire Department, I learned about DetectTogether’s 3 Steps Detect. I passed the early cancer detection program information on to the members of 36, and it really stuck with me.

I did not have any tell-tale signs immediately to alert me, but after a month of pains in my abdomen area and lower back, I decided to reach out to my primary care doctor.

Within two weeks of my diagnosis, I had my port placed, and I had my first treatment behind me. Recovery has been slow, but I am getting stronger every day. The doctors are confident that they got it all, and I have no cancer anywhere else."  

Read Julio's full story here 🔗

Often confused with end-of-life hospice, palliative care is one of the most underfunded and misunderstood aspects of a cancer journey!

This multi-discipline program has been proven to significantly improve patient's quality of life and health outcomes at every stage of treatment. It significantly changes the cancer experience by providing personalized support unique to the challenges faced by each patient, caregiver, and family.

Since its inception, Golf Fights Cancer has directed $1.8 million in grant funding to increase access to palliative care for oncology patients and caregivers. This includes $226,000 to NYU Langone Health in 2023 and $350,000 to MGH Cancer Center over the last two years.

Impacting patients at NYU Langone:

"The support received from Golf Fights Cancer has been a godsend to patients of the Perlmutter Cancer Center. 

The psychosocial needs of newly diagnosed persons living with cancer or those coping with the disease are often significant, and having GFC’s support has gone a long way to help address some of the emotional distress, quality of life issues, existential distress, and physical issues.

The services made possible by GFC have exceeded patient expectations and, in some cases, provided the pathway to continue their cancer care and treatment without interruption."

- Mark A. White, LCSW-R, ACSW, Manager, Social Work Services (pictured center) ⬆️

To learn more about GFC's 20 years of impact, visit

Our Grant History

Pam Fox has never wavered!

Committed to continuing the legacy of her brother, Pete, following his death in 2017, Pam's passion and commitment have been one of the central drivers of the 'Friends of Pete' and GFC's annual Gator Good Guys Invitational.

Leading efforts to invest more than $425,000 in the most promising research of Ewing's sarcoma, Pam is determined to save other families from experiencing the devastation of this aggressive cancer.

As important, Pam is focused on expanding Pete's other priority, teaching young athletes about the importance of philanthropy. Her dedication to Golf Fights Cancer's partnership with the University of Florida's Men's Golf Team is unmatched - sharing her love of the game and the community's ability to make a difference.

⬆️ (pictured left to right - 2024 Pete Fox Award winner Joe Pagdin, Pam Fox, and Coach JC Deacon)

The future sure looks bright!

Over our first 20 years, GFC leaders have watched with pride as the youngest members of our community have integrated the mission into their lives.

From attending events and signing up as volunteers to running and golfing as fundraisers, participating in grant research, and planning events, these emerging leaders have us in awe.

We are beaming with pride as we envision the next 20 years of Golf Fights Cancer with these fantastic young people leading the way!

THEN

AND NOW

If you missed the first 5 Volumes of the Summer Series of Impact or you want to reread them:

Summer Series of Impact - Volume 1

Summer Series of Impact - Volume 2

Summer Series of Impact - Volume 3

Summer Series of Impact - Volume 4

Summer Series of Impact - Volume 5

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

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