‘Iowa gals’ take part in Play for P.I.N.K. event
A large group of ‘Iowa gals’ participated once again this year in the Naples Invitational Golf Tournament to benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation earlier this week as part of the Play for P.I.N.K. efforts. Those from Iowa that participated in the charity event (pictured above) included Jan DeMott, Mary Saxton, Julie Lisle, Julie Swanson, Jules Daughton, Judy McCarty, Jill Blackwood, Debra Larson, Judy Arledge, Diane Sanders, Flo Schall, Jody Neuhaus, Lyn Schumann, Kathy Fortune, Ruth Bond, Cristy Schmidt, MaryAnn Brown, Robbie Hall and Carol Dodge.
To speed advances in breast cancer detection, treatment and survivorship, Play for P.I.N.K. (Prevention, Immediate diagnosis, New technology, Knowledge) supports thousands of volunteers nationwide as they raise funds for research through sporting and lifestyle events. Their efforts raise $4.6 million annually — and 100% of that goes to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
“This is a true labor of love for us because each of us has had a battle with breast cancer,” Blackwood said in a recent feature on the Play for P.I.N.K webpage. “Judy was diagnosed in 1999, had a mastectomy and has been disease free since. I was diagnosed in 2016. I had a double mastectomy followed by chemotherapy. In 2017 the cancer had metastasized. I went on a drug that was specifically developed for this type of cancer and did well for another year. When it stopped working I switched to another drug. The side effects were disastrous. I stopped taking all cancer medications and entered hospice. Today, I am happy to report that I am feeling much better and am able to function. I’m sharing my experience to illustrate the need for more research to bring an end to this awful disease. Play for P.I.N.K. donates 100% of all monies raised to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation which is important to Judy and me. Both of us believe research is the route to a cure.”
Play for P.I.N.K. supports events in 30 states across the country, with more than 30,000 annual participants turning their passion for golf, tennis, and other sports and lifestyle pursuits into substantial support for research. To date, Play for P.I.N.K. has raised nearly $53 million and currently supports 26 scientists at leading academic medical institutions around the world.