Issue 44 

May 15th, 2012  

This Newsletter sponsored by VedaloHD
                               VedaloHD2 

VedaloHD is pleased to announce their continued relationship as the exclusive eyewear supplier of Caddy For A Cure.  VedaloHD is a leader in high definition lens technology offering the first lens that greatly increases the ability for the eye to see the entire color spectrum. View their entire line at www.vedalohd.com
World #1 Luke Donald "Caddy's for a Cure" @ RBC

 

Caddy For A Cure had a milestone of sorts at the recent RBC Heritage Classic with world ranked #1 Luke Donald participating. "Caddy" David Thor had the time of his golf life, with not only a world class player, but a world class gentleman as well. 
  
In over 15 years of professional caddying, Luke's caddy John McLaren has never been late once. He can no longer say that as the alarm went awry the morning of the Wednesday Pro-Am. So, there was David, first time caddying, and he is carrying for the #1 ranked player in the world...a little UN-nerving to say the least! He not only did the honors, but he did a spectacular job carrying along with wounded warrior Captain Joe Caley from Augusta, Georgia. More on Cpt. Joe later. 
  
Luke showed these two extremely fortunate onlookers what the skill set is to be the best golfer in the world, and it is pretty spectacular. Luke fired laser iron shots one after another to the utter joy of Mr. Thor, in from the  Boston area, soaking up some low country hospitality. His 3 handicap will indeed most likely be bettered from all the short game tips and course management lessons from Luke and John, for certain.


Also "caddying for a cure" in Hilton Head was Tommy "Two Gloves" Gainey, and Fed Ex Cup Champion, Bill Haas. There could not have been two more perfect players for a great time on a beautifully sunny day, in search of a cure. As a surprise from his lovely wife, Michael Sramek was treated to the gift of a lifetime with Bill Haas. Michael enjoyed the day with the Haas boys, Bill and Jay Jr. on the bag. He wrote us later, as is often the case,  that "he will remember this for the rest of his life, and will probably come caddy again someday."  Having Sgt. 1st Class Travis Dryden on the bag, fresh out of Walter Reed from injuries sustained in Iraq, added to the inspiration of the day on the PGA TOUR.



This was "Two Gloves" first Caddy For A Cure experience, and we are big fans. Hands down one of the coolest guys in golf, we feel strongly that his nickname could just as easily be "Two Hearts". Tommy could not have been more kind, more giving, or more wonderful to his caddy, Mario Torchia, or to FA patients Christian and Calen Collins who were along for the ride with the wounded warriors.


Click HERE to see all the Tommy "Two Gloves" Gainey Experience

Many thanks to Tournament Director Steve Wilmot, and the wonderful staff at the RBC Heritage Classic. Angela McSwain does such a terrific job every year with her exceptional accommodations, treating our "caddy's" like professionals, and helping us raise funds to find a cure and support the many brave warriors we are able to touch. An extra special shout out to Hilton Head Heroes, run by Gregg and Lindy Russell there on the Island. What a work they are doing there, and we are most humbled and proud to assist! 
Focus on Fanconi

On March 10th, 2011, the Lana family received the news....their precious son Eli, has Fanconi anemia. As often happens, they had never even heard of FA, let alone suspect that Eli had the disorder. He was born with a bilateral hand anomaly, and was small in stature, but was otherwise very healthy until he turned 6.

 

In April of 2011, Eli experienced a Bone Marrow Transplant at the Cincinnati Children's Hospital. He was fortunate to have an 8/8 unrelated marrow donor, and has suffered minimal side effects. His recovery has been outstanding and he is doing exceptionally well. The full head of hair after the chemo effects wore off is really something to behold!

 

Eli is one special young man...he is a HUGE Star Wars fan, loves animals - especially his cat Gus. And, Eli's unique and witty sense of humor is always the life of the party everywhere he goes.

 

We wish the Lana family our warmest thoughts and prayers as they fight the good fight against Fanconi anemia. We are grateful for the success thus far, and we will continue to pray and "caddy for a cure."

 

You go Eli, you go! We hope to meet you one day, and see you "on the bag" for one of the greatest players in the world of golf. 

 

 

 

World #3 at Wells Fargo Championship

 

It was the consummate Caddy For A Cure experience. Some loving wives with philanthropic hearts wanted to offer their husbands a gift they would never forget.  They wanted a world class player, at a world class event, and a world class experience. They got exactly what they wanted; Lee Westwood at the Wells Fargo Championship. Lee Westwood is not only one of the best players in the world, he is truly one of the coolest guys in all of golf, as these fans who caddied for him will testify.

 

 

 

When world class caddy Billy Foster had a freak mishap with a soccer ball on Monday, it even added to the excitement.  Cayce Kerr stepped in and did the honors of showing our new caddies the ropes "inside the ropes."

 

 

 

Not much was really needed for assistance with these two great players in their own right. One played for the University of Texas back in the day and still carries a zero handicap. The other caddy is a solid 8 at Southern Hills in Tulsa and will most likely be trending down after learning from one of the best in the world for a day.

 

 

 

Days like these are typical with Caddy For A Cure. The guest caddies were able to come in early and enjoy the inner workings of a professional golf tournament at its best. Going in the equipment trailers is always a treat, but getting a complete update from Taylormade's Wade Liles made this time somewhat incredible.

 

 

 

There are not too many things cooler that walking down a fairway chatting it up with Lee Westwood. Talking Ryder Cup, Masters, football, life. Knowing that this day is "for a cure" makes it all the more worthwhile and enjoyable.

 

Special thanks to ace Kym Hougham and the staff at Quail Hollow. As always, caddies and their guests had a sensational time!

 

 

 

 

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World's Top Players to "Caddy For A Cure"

 

Caddy For A Cure is really excited to be able to offer these experiences with the best players in the world. It is easily one of the most exciting and fun times you will ever experience in golf. The chance to work with, and partner with, one of the best players in the game of golf is simply over the top awesome. Whether you want to work on your own game, would like to spend a day as fan favorite of a player, or simply want to learn what it is like to walk the greatest stages in golf, come "caddy for a cure."   

  

Stacy Lewis  

Safeway Classic - Portland  

 

 

 

Camilo Villegas
St Jude FED EX Classic - Memphis
 

 

 

Lexi Thompson

Safeway Classic - Portland 

 

 

 

Rickie Fowler

The Barclays - Long Island 

 

 

 

Ben Crane

Deutsche Bank Championship - Boston 

 

  

 

CLICK HERE TO BE TAKEN TO THE LIVE AUCTIONS TO PURCHASE  

 

 

Greetings!

 

Since we started the wounded warrior aspect of our program many years ago, we have been totally blessed to meet some of the bravest and most wonderful men and women who protect our great country. Each week that we receive their biographies, speak with them on the phone about their injuries and needs, and then get to know them as they "caddy for a cure," is pretty remarkable. The funny part is they are overjoyed to come participate and think they are the lucky ones. But we recognize the joke is on them and WE are the lucky ones who get to meet them.


Amazing situation happened at the RBC Heritage. Our warrior on Luke Donald's bag shared an extremely emotional testimony after the round was over and we were savoring the memory. He mentioned that it was one year ago this very week that he lay in Walter Reed hospital, not knowing if he was going to keep his leg, or when and if he would ever get out of the hospital. The President came and visited him with
Senator John McCain and asked if there was anything he could do to assist. Through the tubes and related paraphernalia, he uttered "get this doctor off my leg, I can feel my toes and I don't have to lose it!" The President assisted and Captain Joe is walking on his own legs today.



That wonderful lighthouse in the harbour, that we as golf fans have all seen so many times, was the thing that Captain Joe remembered watching while laying in the hospital. It became his "beacon" of hope. How amazing, how stunning, that his first ever 18 holes walked, would come at Harbour Town, under the red and white beauty of the lighthouse, with the world's #1 player.



We say, "hooah" Captain Caley, and thank you for your service. We are honored by your very existence, your participation in our program, and your support of our freedom.


Sincerely,

 

Russ Holden PGA 

Caddy for a Cure Founder    

 

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