If you know Bill McHugh, you know all about Golf Fights Cancer! As one of our mission’s best ambassadors, Bill takes every opportunity to raise awareness about GFC’s impact. Participating in his sixth Golf Marathon, Bill and his honorary caddie, son Will, raised more than $23,000 from more than 150 donors! Bill’s genuine care and concern for those facing cancer is unmatched.
Steadfast in preserving their daughter’s legacy, Kevin and Kym Jones successfully participated in GFC’s inaugural JAX Golf Marathon. Raising over $10,000 in memory of Ava Grace, who passed away in 2023 after a brave battle with rare pediatric cancer, the Joneses remain committed to supporting other families walking the same difficult journey.
Inspired by the strength and bravery by their grandparents during their cancer journey, the brothers Robbie & Matt McDonough completed the 2024 Main Marathon and successfully raised $4,000 to assist other families facing this disease. We salute these young leaders for finding their own creative challenge to benefit the greater GFC community.
As two of our best ambassadors, Tim & Maureen McCarthy generously volunteer their time to represent Golf Fights Cancer at The Northeast Golf Show. Interacting with hundreds of potential supporters who walked by the GFC booth, Tim and Maureen were eager to share our mission and impact and offer unique ways for golfers to get involved.
Leading a 4-person team comprised of her sisters, Taryn and Michelle, and her close friend, Melanie, Lisa Kavalieros trained, fundraised, and completed the Boston Marathon in memory of her daughter, Ellie, in support of children diagnosed with DIPG/DMG. Raising $100,000 towards research for this always-fatal cancer, Team Ellie remains committed to funding ground-breaking clinical trial.
After years of volunteering for GFC as emerging professionals, Josh Kalita, Isabel Moore & Taylor Thompson were inspired to host a Young Professionals fundraiser in the Jacksonville area. Josh, Isabel and Taylor led the planning efforts for a festive evening of music and philanthropy, introducing many of their friends and colleagues to GFC and the contagious power of giving back.
Simply put, Glenn Kelly is a humble hero! For more than a decade running, Glenn continues to be a one-man crusade for GFC. As the club professional at Woods Hole Golf Club in Falmouth MA, Glenn undertakes a marathon fundraising effort in celebration of and as tribute to his parents, who had both been touched by cancer. Glenn has single-handedly raised more than $200,000 in the fight against cancer!
For the past twelve years, Jimmy and John have participated in our annual Golf Marathon, collectively raising $175,000+ from family, friends and colleagues. Their love of golf and commitment to the cause is on display for all to see when they are first to arrive on ‘game day’ to continue their tradition of facing off for six 18-hole matches. We applaud their competitive spirit, which transcends daylight, monsoons, and body aches and pains. Both believe that these challenges are small compared to the demands that come with a cancer diagnosis.
Ted Fischer is a “Good Guy” in every sense of the word. Not only has he hosted our annual “Good Guy Invitational” twice, he was also instrumental in establishing The Richard A. Browning Research Fund at RI Hospital in memory of his good friend. Teddy has run 5 Boston Marathons with TeamGFC, raising over $150,000! He’s back again this year, training in some of the most challenging conditions ever. For all these reasons and more, Teddy Fischer is one of our heroes.
Craig and Maureen Fitzgerald have long cheered on countless Boston Marathon runners from their home alongside the marathon course. Inspired to get off the sidelines and into the race, Craig (’12, ’13, ’14) and Maureen (’14) have been powerful fundraisers for GFC as well, raising more than $50,000!
Chris Coghlin has made an incredible mark in his first Golf Marathon! Inspired by his father, Jim Coghlin, Sr., the founder of DetecTogether, Chris has set fundraising records! The Coghlin family has made it their mission to educate as many people as possible – including members of the firefighting community – that early detection of cancer is key to better survival rates and we applaud Chris for his stalwart efforts and his partnership with GFC.