Philanthropy was in full swing at the Grand Harbor Clubhouse as more than 300 members gathered for their annual Answer to Cancer fundraiser. The crowd proved that when it comes to supporting local oncology care, Grand Harbor residents don’t just show up – they tee up, swing hard, bid high and give back.
The day’s festivities centered around supporting the Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital Scully-Welsh Cancer Center and the Cleveland Clinic Indian River Foundation.
Founded more than 15 years ago by a group of Grand Harbor residents, Answer to Cancer has grown into a lifeline for patients and caregivers navigating cancer diagnoses at the Scully-Welsh Cancer Center. The initiative provides essential financial assistance for various programs and equipment.
Event chair Jeanine Nestor said that the large turnout showed how deeply the fight against cancer resonated with everyone.
The clubhouse buzzed with activity long before the first course was served. Golfers had teed off earlier in the day and later there were options for a 50/50 raffle, themed gift baskets and an auction of curated items.
Thanking the Grand Harbor staff for their seamless execution of the day’s events, Nestor said, “You guys have just been a pleasure to work with. As usual, everything is just fabulous.”
While the golf scores were impressive, including a spectacular hole-in-one on the River Course, the true focus was on the tangible impact of the funds raised.
Dr. Brian Burkey, director of the Scully-Welsh Cancer Center, expressed his gratitude for the community’s continued investment in patient care.
“Cancer makes such a difference in the lives of our patients in every way,” said Burkey.
“You don’t see it, but we see it every day. The services your donations provide make a profound difference to our patients and our staff.”
One of those vital services is the Integrative Medicine Program, which offers evidence-based therapies such as yoga to help patients manage the physical and emotional toll of treatment.
Amy Balog, a nurse practitioner turned yoga therapist, spoke of a patient suffering with severe bone pain who had found the strength to endure her chemotherapy treatments through a year and a half of yoga, breathwork and medication.
“To watch her transform, just physically and emotionally, has been humbling,” said Balog.
She noted that the program has reached over 850 patients, a rarity in many cancer programs, and is a direct result of local funding.
“Your donations are changing lives, allowing patients to participate in yoga therapy tailored specifically to their cancer symptoms,” said Balog.
“We have over 300 people here today, which I think is a record,” Nestor told the cheering crowd after announcing that final tallies were expected to reach new heights.
“You guys are vested, and we really heard you and appreciate it.”
By the time the last raffle ticket was drawn, the message was clear that at Grand Harbor the answer to cancer is a compassionate community committed to a cure.
Over the years, Answer to Cancer has provided a wide range of programs and equipment, including a snack cart for patients undergoing treatment, portable ultrasound devices, and integrative medicine, including acupuncture, art and music therapy.
For more information, visit AnswerToCancer.info.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
