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Issue: #23 May 15th, 2009
 THIS ISSUE SPONSORED BY JETBLUE CHALLENGE
The #1 Tournament Package in all of golf!
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WE PROUDLY ACKNOWLEDGE OUR PARTNERS
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100% of Charity Auction Sales
goes to:
20%
Fanconi Anemia Research Fund
20%
Wouned Warrior Project
20%
PGA TOUR Caddie Benevolent Fund
20%
PGA TOUR Player Charity
20%
PGA TOUR Host Site Charity
(click to go to main site)
National Spokesperson
&
Fanconi Anemia Patient
Christian Collins
&
Friends
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A THOUSAND POINTS OF LIGHT
AT THE PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP
Former President George H. Bush was honored this past week at The PLAYERS and Caddy For A Cure participant Dave Smith was treated to a front row seat to this heart warming presentation of Lifetime Achievement. The President spoke fondly about the PGA TOUR and its "Giving Back" initiative to so many charities, and we were honored to be a very small part of the festivities.
Standing on the 17th hole, during The PLAYERS, with one of the best players and guys in the world, does it get any better than this? We think not, especially knowing that 100% of the cost of being there is going to charity.
As is the tradition with the PGA TOUR caddies on Wednesday, we each get to hit one shot on the famed 17th island hole. Dave came all the way in from Ohio to experience this truly once in a lifetime opportunity. And while he came ever so close to hitting the green, he had a blast just taking his swing!
So when that final handshake comes, both the PGA TOUR player and the caddie himself are good buddies now after working together so closely for a day. It is a bond that is never forgotten, especially by the people who benefited by the donation. Vaughn Taylor's charity of choice is the American Cancer Society and we are sure that many people are grateful for Dave and Vaughn's efforts this day!
Highlighting what may prove to be the best week of the year for us was cancer survivor Rashed Aboudon caddying for Matt Kuchar. After experiencing some of the toughest ways that life deals out in a deadly cancer, Rashed was all smiles meeting and seeing up close the delightful Matt Kuchar and his world class game.
What an experience for Rashed which was gifted to him from dear friend Larry Freeman. When Larry learned he was the winner of the opportunity to caddy for Matt Kuchar, he quickly offered it to Rashed, then watched with joy as Rashed had the day of his life "inside the ropes" with Matt.
Shown here with Larry and Matt's mother Meg, Rashed was all smiles after being treated to one of the most unique experiences that professional golf can offer - The PLAYERS!
Fanconi anemia was well represented in this truly amazing situation of hearing a President in person. World class guy, PGA Professional, and friend Billy Dettlaff made sure our National Spokesperson Christian Collins had a front row seat to hear Commissioner Finchem give President Bush the Lifetime Achievement award. Thanks, Billy and all the staff at the PGA TOUR who made this week a reality.
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FOCUS ON FANCONI
This month's featured child is Carter Pepper. Carter is a beautiful, vibrant 2-year old who loves Elmo, trucks, guitars, and playing outside. Although he is small, he appears to be a normal, healthy toddler. What you don't see, is that he has a very rare, genetic-recessive disease called Fanconi anemia.
Carter was born with two holes in his heart, a hypoplastic thumb, and both of his kidneys fused together on one side. Other than these problems, Carter seemed to be just a normal infant. He was diagnosed with FA shortly after his first birthday when he had just not grown much at all.
Carter recently underwent surgery to repair his thumb and hand in what is called a polliciation procedure. They removed his thumb nub and turned the index finger into his thumb. At the same time came a bone marrow biopsy and aspiration.
FA patients will suffer bone marrow failure eventually and the Pepper family was told that a sibling donor gives Carter the best chance of a successful transplant. So, the Peppers are considering another child as you read in hopes that one day that baby could present Carter with a chance to survive this dreadful disease.
Carter Pepper and his family are indeed rare and a special group of people who fight this disease. Caddy For A Cure is so proud to be the torch bearer on the PGA TOUR and we know there are many golfers who pray often for families such as the Pepper's. Won't you please join them?
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SIGN UP TODAY FOR A FREE CHANCE TO CADDY FOR BOO!!!!!!!
It's LIVE now and you get a free personalized "BOO" pen just for signing up.
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UPCOMING CADDY OPPORTUNITIES OVER THE TOP
Caddy For A Cure has some of the best players in the world, at the best courses in the world, especially in the upcoming months. Tell your friends, tell your members, tell your club.This is a great opportunity for a Father's Day that will never be forgotten....a customer gift that will entice business forever....a treat for yourself that you will never forget.
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Do you believe in Miracles? I know I sure do in more ways than one....I recently had the incredible opportunity of witnessing firsthand a Miracles League baseball game in Georgia. Our National Spokesperson and National Diplomat, Christian and Calen Collins, were playing. Yes, they were playing.
The Miracles Baseball League is a unique opportunity for kids to enjoy baseball in ways they could not otherwise. Many are in wheelchairs, many suffer from Downs Syndrome, and many are with birth defects that few of us could fathom living with.
 They were playing the Pirates. Many of you have heard before this proud Dad tell about his son who plays in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization. I am obviously proud and think he is the best. But this day, I saw the real superstars playing for the REAL Pirates and Cubs teams. It was truly the "stuff" that makes miracles happen and this day was no exception.
As kids in wheelchairs rounded the bases screaming with delight, I could not help but think about all the great people who have caddied for Caddy For A Cure and how their generous donations have helped so many that they will never meet or know. I know that a few of these kids playing this day have benefited by these donations that go into research and advancements that will change lives forever.
This day though was about baseball. Good old fashioned "take me out to the ball park" fun. As they rounded third and headed for home, through teary eyes filled with joy, I realized the true joy in peanuts and Cracker Jacks for the first time in my life.
Sincerely,
Russ Holden PGA
Caddy For A Cure Founder
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