After losing not one but both of his parents to pancreatic cancer, Brad Dal Bon has been fighting this disease in memory of his parents for years. This time however, he’s taking the last swing! It’s been twelve years since the loss of his mother Merrilee in 2000 at the age of 51 and his father Jim only eight years later in 2008 at 61 years old. Brad has seen what pancreatic cancer can do to a dearly loved one, not once but twice. “The golf tournament is a way to raise money to fight pancreatic cancer and to keep a constant reminder of how much my parents mean to me,” says Brad.
The Annual Dal Bon Memorial Golf Tournament has raised $20,000 to date for the Hirshberg Foundation and it continues to be a great success. “The Hirshberg Foundation gives their donated funds directly to research to end pancreatic cancer and this year we raised over $4,000.” This year Brad, along with his loved ones and members of his community, gathered together on the lavish lawns of the Ridge Country Club in Auburn California. It was a day of golf, friends, family, and fun. Brad worked hard to create a brand new website, secured a new golf course, and more importantly he experienced “a renewed energy for the tournament.” Participants of the Dal Bon Memorial Golf Tournament obviously felt that new energy as well because on this particular Saturday in August they faced 104 degrees of sweltering heat! Now, if you’re familiar with golf you know that golfers like to get on the green when it’s as cool as possible. But Jim and Merrilee’s son is committed to the cause and so are his loved ones so they persevered and had a blast! “Our golfer turn out has remained consistent and people have told me directly that it’s the best fundraising tournament they have played in. That is a huge compliment to everyone involved who helps us. Brad’s commitment to honor his parents through this event has motivated him and has inspired members of the community and businesses to pitch in. “Various raffle items have been donated and a lot of money has come in through those generous gifts. We have really been able to streamline the event over the course of four years. This was our best year ever.”
Next year, thanks to an idea from a volunteer, they plan to have a local doctor on the course before the event to explain the body’s anatomy and discuss their in depth knowledge of pancreatic cancer with attendees. “We’ll be hosting the 5th annual Dal Bon Memorial in 2013. It is going to be our best yet. Come on up to beautiful Northern California and join us!”
Visit www.teamdalbon.org today for more information the Dal Bon Memorial Golf Tournament. Join our sponsors for 2013 or sign-up as a participant. Follow us on Twitter @teamdalbon and “like” our Facebook page.
Remember proceeds support the Hirshberg Foundation. You Make a Difference!
Since 2009 the Annual Dal Bon Memorial Golf Tournament has raised $40,000 dollars for pancreatic cancer research and patient programs. The event is one of our highlights of the summer, bringing together the community in Grass Valley & Auburn, CA. The Dal Bon family’s continued dedication to never give up inspires us all to continue the fight!