19 Years of Golfing for Gyn Cancer

Foundation for Women's Cancer - 19 YEARS OF GOLFING FOR GYN CANCER 2Mark and Paige Anderson help spread awareness about gyn cancers through fundraising for the Foundation for Women’s Cancer by holding an annual golf tournament in the Washington D.C. area. The 19th annual golf tournament was held Aug. 30, 2021, and raised over $23,000. The couple’s efforts over the past 19 years have raised more than $410,000  for FWC.

The Andersons’ relationship with the FWC started in 2004 when Paige was diagnosed with cervical cancer. After seeking a second opinion at Cedars Sinai Medical Center, the couple were introduced to gynecologic oncologist Beth Karlan, MD. As their relationship in care blossomed, Dr. Karlan encouraged Paige to become an advocate in getting Johanna’s Law passed in the U.S. Congress. Johanna’s Law is also known as the Gynecologic Cancer Education and Awareness Act, and it was signed into law on January 12, 2007.

The couple’s annual golf event evolved over the years from a few foursomes formed by Mark, Paige and friend Tom Hammond to a solid gathering of companies and individuals who believe in the cause. Mark describes the importance of forming meaningful relationships with “groups that you can depend on” and particularly with those that “believe in what you say and do.”

Foundation for Women's Cancer - 19 YEARS OF GOLFING FOR GYN CANCER 1In future events, Mark, Paige, and Tom hope to continue to expand the number of participants and see more women golfers on the course, and they would love to welcome more gynecologic oncologists to the event. The focus of this event is aimed at individual contributions rather than large corporate donations, which makes this event unique and encourages a number of diverse golfers and participants.

The annual golf tournament has been growing in its own success since its inception and has a strong community base in the Washington D.C. area. Mark is an avid golfer and a Professional Golfers Association (PGA) of America member. “I am excited to have been able to raise the money we have via my passion for golf,” he says. “Our relationship with FWC has yielded a lot of positives and we are very happy to help contribute to spreading awareness and education about gyn cancers through this annual event.”

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