Grab your golf clubs and lace up your shoes —it’s time to tee off to raise awareness for ovarian cancer! The Teal It Up Foundation is hosting a charity golf tournament for the cause at Rio Verde Country Club on Saturday, Sept. 20.
Teal It Up Founder Janice Coggins said not enough people are educated about ovarian cancer or its common symptoms. “Women just have to be persistent and make sure that they get to the right doctor,”Coggins says.
Coggins was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2010 and knows firsthand the relentless nature of the disease. “Once you get it, it’s hard to beat,”Coggins says.
Her mission now is to help other women overcome ovarian cancer with the help of her organization and its exciting golf event, which falls during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.
On the course, golfers can win prizes for showing off their skills. Whoever hits the longest drive or scores a hole-in-one might even end up with a brand new car.
Off the course, guests can participate in a silent auction to compete for items such as a handmade rug, a trip to beautiful Sedona, a new watch and much more. “It’s something for everyone,”Coggins says.
Guests will start the day off with a refreshing breakfast at 7 a.m. before hitting the course, followed by a delicious luncheon and awards ceremony at 12:30 p.m. This year, Teal It Up joined forces with Anne Rita Monahan Foundation to give out two student scholarships and a Crusader Award for women making a difference.
Most importantly, the tournament’s First Place foursome will be honored in receiving the Barbara Douglas Award. Coggins holds this award close to her heart as Barbara Douglas was the first minority chairman of the USGA Women’s Committee and an ovarian cancer advocate. “She was the most amazing woman…[and] an exceptional golfer,”Coggins says.
The tournament proceeds will go toward ovarian cancer research in the hopes of soon finding a cure. Currently, Coggins said she is focused on genetic research, a breakthrough that would prevent the cancer from fully developing. “If we can help someone get the genetics testing that they need, this is where we might be putting our resources that we make,”Coggins says.
Every 37 minutes a woman will die in this country of ovarian cancer. Help put an end to this horrible disease by spending a great day of golfing for a great cause. Gather your friends to create a foursome for $500 or go solo for just $150. Both fees include green fees, a golf cart, range balls, a practice facility and breakfast/lunch. You may also sponsor a hole for $1,200. Register today at www.tealitup.org.
