SPHL Mississippi RiverKings

RiverKings Golf For Wings Cancer Foundation

Published on May 19, 2003 under SPHL (SPHL)
Mississippi RiverKings News Release


SOUTHAVEN, Miss.— RiverKings team captain Don Parsons lined up a nice drive down the lush green fairways of Olive Branch's Cherokee Valley Golf Course Monday, surrounded by warm sunshine offset by a slight cool breeze and the peaceful sound of golf balls happily being struck by players on every hole.

Behind him, signs saying "in honor of...," "in celebration of....," and "in memory of....," followed by the names of cancer survivors and victims, reminded players of their true purpose: aiding the golf tournament host, Wings Cancer Foundation. Tournament organizers sold more than 100 signs for all 18 holes.

"My dad has non-Hodgkin's lymphoma," Parsons said. "It's good to come out and help with such a good cause, one that affects me so much personally."

Wings' mission is to provide hope, education, research and support free of charge to anyone in the community touched by cancer. This includes patients with cancer, their family members, close friends or caregivers. Wings Public Relations/Communications Coordinator Nancy Daevel is an 11 and ½ year cancer survivor.

"It's really important to have support from the cancer community," Daevel said. "The patient is the one who has the cancer, but it affects their entire family. It affects every person who loves them. It's important to let people know they have support. So many people feel they are alone in their battle, but they're not.

"Everything we offer is free. That is very important to us. The scramble is just another way to say, it's available. If you don't need the support yourself, you probably know someone who does and you can say, it's out there."

The scramble-format tournament included a breakfast buffet before the shotgun start of the first flight at 8 a.m. and barbecue dinner buffet after the second flight at 6 p.m., provided by local political candidates. Lunch was provided by Outback Steakhouse.

"People have just come out of the woodwork to help," Wings Cancer Foundation Executive Director Sandy Patterson said. "I think it's because cancer touches everyone. Almost everyone has been close to or knows someone who has fought cancer."

The rest of the RiverKings team included Kevin Ryan, assistant coach; Brian Stefan, corporate sales; and Jim Odle, vice-president of sales with Memphis Xplorers football.

"It is a great opportunity for us to get out in the community and support Wings Cancer Foundation," Odle said. "We're really enjoying ourselves."

The foundation offers an array of programs. Its 200-strong volunteer program includes frequent hospital visitation and partnering/mentorship programs. Individual support includes a multimedia lending library with informational and inspirational materials, a newsletter, nutrition counseling and a Labyrinth Garden.

Wings also offers exercise and strength programs, such as Tai Chi/Balance classes, Yoga/Relaxation classes, and Healing Touch/Reiki classes. The foundation also offers workshops, like art therapy, and a Corner Boutique, where patients who have lost their hair can borrow wigs, hats and turbans free of charge. Other programs include crisis intervention and support of clinical research.

"We do have a story to tell, and that story is hope," Daevel said. "That's what we offer: hope."

For more information, check out the Web at www.WingsCancerFoundation.org or www.RiverKings.com.

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SPHL Stories from May 19, 2003


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