Do a Fundraiser

Colon Cancer 'Warrior' Holds Successful Golf Tournament

In early November, the Colon Cancer Alliance partnered with the Swan/Morefield "Bringing Up the Rear" golf tournament. The day's events brought together more than 150 golfers, volunteers and medical professionals for a day of golf and education at the Aliso Viejo Country Club in Orange County, California.

"The idea was to establish a fun event," said Laura Morefield, a stage IV colon cancer "warrior" (as she likes to describe herself).  "I was diagnosed at age 48 with advanced colon cancer on the ascending colon — the most difficult to detect — and I was shocked by what I didn't know about this disease."

Morefield's second goal for the tournament was to raise awareness. Morefield and her husband, Dan, were humbled when two of their friends, Rodney and Raquel Swan, volunteered to help them fund the inaugural event. They then looked for a non-profit group involved with colon cancer research and grassroots fundraising and awareness with which to partner.

"I got in touch with Andrea Clay at the Colon Cancer Alliance and she said they could work with us to put on this event. We've done many other fundraisers for other organizations, but this was our first time organizing an inaugural event."

The tournament included "Colon Cancer Factoids" at each tee box, a quiz show at the banquet following the match, and a speech by Morefield's oncologist, Dr. Howard Cheng. "Many friends and co-workers have commented on how much they learned and I know several people are getting their colonoscopies as a result of the tournament. So it was a win-win for everyone."

The tournament even raised quite a bit of money for the Colon Cancer Alliance, a tough proposition for a first-time golf tournament. As for the Morefields? They're already thinking about next year's event.

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