Upcoming golf tournaments support cancer research and care in Rochester region

About half of all men and a third of all women in the U.S. will develop cancer at some point during their lives, proof that cancer is a disease that touches almost everyone in some way. Despite this, cancer also inspires people to help others often by hosting community events that raise awareness and money for research. For Wilmot Cancer Institute, community-organized events of all types are essential to helping local researchers explore ideas that may lead to new, effective ways to treat different types of cancer.

In the summer and fall months, golf tournaments not only help a good cause but often remember a loved one or honor a cancer survivor. Upcoming tournaments that will benefit Wilmot Cancer Institute include:

• July 12: 4^th Annual For Pete’s Sake Golf Tournament at Victor Hills Golf Club to raise money for bile duct research
• July 13: 6^th Annual Michael Contestabile Memorial Golf Tournament at Shadow Pines Golf Club in Penfield to support pancreatic cancer research
• July 27: Edelman Gardner Ladies Golf Tournament at Timber Ridge Golf Course in Brockport to support the Edelman Gardner Research Fund
• July 27: Kovalsky Carr Golf Tournament* at Irondequoit Country Club to support the Kovalsky Carr Research Fund
• Aug. 8: Kyle J. Button Memorial Golf Tournament at Brae Burn Golf Course in Dansville to support the new Ann & Carl Myers Cancer Center on the Noyes Memorial Hospital campus
• Aug. 17: Palmer/Head-Strong Golf Tournament at Greystone Country Club with proceeds split between research for non-smokers lung cancer and pancreatic cancer
• Sept. 12: 13^th Annual Steve Coleman Memorial Golf Tournament at Chili Country Club to support the Wilmot Cancer Institute Research Fund
• Sept. 14: Second Annual Ray Dutcher Memorial Golf Tournament at Webster Golf Course to benefit brain cancer research
• Sept. 21: Judy’s Fund Golf Tournament* at the Country Club of Rochester to support the Breast Cancer Research Initiative
• Oct. 3: 8^th Annual Coop Cup Golf Tournament at Mill Creek Country Club to benefit brain cancer research

“Community support from groups like these is critical to our ability to provide better treatment and care to our patients,” said Tiffany Paine-Cirrincione, associate director, advancement and community events at Wilmot Cancer Institute. “We’re truly grateful for the support of our community partners.”

More information on the golf tournaments or other community events can be found on Wilmot’s events calendar or Facebook page. Additionally, anyone in the community is invited to host a fundraiser – whether it’s golf or something else – to help support cancer research and care in the Rochester and Finger Lakes region. Contact Tiffany Paine-Cirrincione at (585) 276-4715 or tiffany.paine@rochester.edu to learn more about any of these golf tournaments or about hosting a new event.

“These groups prove that a few committed people can turn loss into hope,” Paine-Cirrincione said. “We are happy to provide guidance and support for those who want to host a community fundraising event benefitting patients or research at Wilmot Cancer Institute because it can have a huge impact for many in our region.  It’s truly heart-warming to see what individuals in the community can do when they come together.”

*Denotes an invite-only tournament

About Wilmot Cancer Institute: UR Medicine’s Wilmot Cancer Institute is the Finger Lakes region’s leader for cancer care and research. As a component of Strong Memorial Hospital, Wilmot Cancer Institute provides specialty cancer care services at the University of Rochester Medical Center and a network of locations throughout the region. The Institute also includes a team of 100 scientists who investigate many aspects of cancer, with an emphasis on how best to provide precision cancer care. To learn more, visit wilmot.urmc.edu.