Tackle Kids Cancer Benefits from Partnership with PGA TOUR at THE NORTHERN TRUST FedExCup Playoffs event

Hackensack Meridian Health was pleased to partner with THE NORTHERN TRUST PGA TOUR tournament held August 7-11, 2019 at Liberty National Golf Club in Jersey City, New Jersey in support of Tackle Kids Cancer — a philanthropic initiative of the Children’s Cancer Institute at Hackensack Meridian Health dedicated to finding a cure for pediatric cancers. THE NORTHERN TRUST is the first event of the PGA TOUR’s FedExCup Playoffs and featured many of the world’s top golfers, including Brooks Koepka, Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson, Rickie Fowler, Adam Scott and others.

Patrick Reed defeated one of the toughest fields in golf to win the tournament, but he wasn't the only champion that weekend. "The PGA TOUR has a culture of giving, donating net proceeds from its events to charity," noted Robert C. Garrett, FACHE, CEO, Hackensack Meridian Health. "We are very fortunate to have this organization as our ally in our quest to improve our understanding and treatment of pediatric cancers so that more children with cancer can live longer, better lives. We congratulate Patrick Reed and thank the many players and caddies who took the time to interact with our young patients during the round. All of the kids became golf fans that weekend."

Six pediatric cancer patients—also known as Most Valiant Patients (MVPs)—from Hackensack Meridian Health and their siblings served as Honorary Flag Bearers on the 17th hole during the tournament, holding the flag after the caddy removed it and receiving signed golf balls, gloves and other memorabilia from the professional golfers. Those attending the tournament could also donate to Tackle Kids Cancer at an onsite booth and learn about pediatric cancer while playing the Chippo Challenge, a cornhole-style backyard golf game. Hackensack Meridian Health is also the Official Medical Services Provider to THE NORTHERN TRUST.

One MVP, 9-year-old Megan More, received the surprise of a lifetime from her favorite professional golfer, Dustin Johnson. The No. 2 ranked golfer in the world surprised “Mighty Meg” and her twin brother, Brendan, by inviting them to walk alongside him inside the ropes during the pro-am on Wednesday, August 7. The duo accompanied the 2017 champion of THE NORTHERN TRUST and 21-time PGA TOUR winner for an entire hole, and Megan even had a chance to hit a putt.  Click here to watch.

"Tackle Kids Cancer has been honored to be the Official Charity Partner of THE NORTHERN TRUST since 2016. Taking part in an official PGA TOUR event gives us a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be ‘inside the ropes' and provides our organization with a global stage to talk about the need for pediatric cancer research," explained Amy Glazer, executive director of Development at the Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital and Tackle Kids Cancer at the Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation.

The Tackle Kids Cancer program raises money for critical research and programs at the Children’s Cancer Institute at Hackensack Meridian Health children’s hospitals: Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital and K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital. The Children’s Cancer Institute was the first center in New Jersey to offer innovative CAR T-cell immunotherapy for pediatric patients. Funds raised at the event help to expand innovative treatment options at the Children’s Cancer Institute.

For more information about Tackle Kids Cancer, please visit www.tacklekidscancer.org. To learn more about each patient and arrange an interview with Tackle Kids Cancer patients and their families, please contact Sheri Hensley of the Hackensack University Medical Center Communications and Public Relations Department at 551-996-3586 or Sheri.Hensley@HackensackMeridian.org.