Cancer patient, 12, will benefit from golf event

Duran Golf Club will host its 3rd annual Pink Ribbon Classic benefiting the American Cancer Society on Feb. 13.

This year, the event will take on a more local twist.

Participants will tee off knowing that 50 percent of the net proceeds will stay right in their own community to help Port St. John 12 year-old Aubrey Sullivan. The Enterprise Elementary student, who was recently diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, will use the money for treatment and transportation to and from Arnold Palmer Hospital, where she is being treated with chemotherapy every three weeks.

“When I found out Aubrey was in need of help, I reached out to our staff and management here, and we agreed this tournament would be a great way for us to help her out,” said Matthew Morrison, Duran’s head golf pro. “The timing of this event could not have been better.”

Sullivan, who after undergoing several tests to determine the cause of a persistent cough, was diagnosed with the disease just a few months ago. It compromises her ability to fight infection.

“Aubrey is a very strong and determined pre-teen,” said Maria Fisher, a family friend. “She has a positive attitude and discourages anyone from being upset about her condition.”

The four-person team scramble format will kick off at 8 a.m. on Saturday with a shotgun start. Prizes will be awarded in different flights for both gross and net scores.

“It will be very lady friendly, but men are encouraged to also attend,” Morrison said. “This year we will have a unique setup on the course offering beer and wine tasting and hors d’oeuvres samplings.

“Our goal is to reach the course capacity of 144 players and exceed last year’s net proceeds of more than $3,500. And of course, we’d like to see everyone wear pink.”

Duran Golf Club will split the proceeds from the event with the Executive Women’s Golf Association (EWGA). Every year EWGA donates its half of the proceeds to The American Cancer Society of Brevard. They in turn send many volunteers to help with this tournament. EWGA does not profit from this event.

Connors Wealth Management will again be the lead sponsor.

“Since cancer has been a disease that has touched the lives of our clients, staff and their families, we are again honored to support this tournament,” CEO Justin Connors said.

Four levels of donation are available starting from $125 to $1,995.

For more information or to sign up for the event; visit www.durangolf.com or call 321-504-7776.