What does golf have to do with cancer? Not a lot directly, but when golf can serve as a way to bring people together and support those affected by cancer, it’s a connection we’re proud to step up to the tee for. On June 4th, for the second year in a row, Red Door Community is excited to be participating in the Annual Golf Fights Cancer (GFC) Golf Marathon. We are “humble golfers”, and hundreds of swings is no small feat, but for this cause, golf becomes something bigger than the game itself.
GFC is its own 501(c)(3) organization that’s mission is to raise much needed funds for cancer related organizations and families living with the disease. As participants in the Golf Marathon, Red Door Community has the opportunity to raise money for our own mission, to ensure that no one faces cancer alone. In 2025, Red Door Community totaled $30,000 from this initiative and we have much bigger plans this year! If you’d like to support our team, please visit GFC’s Golf Marathon
A little confusing, perhaps, but for us, it all boils down to five people who are committing to play 100 holes of golf in a single day, each honoring the many people we know who have been impacted by the disease and remembering those that we’ve lost. This year, our team is made up of a group of guys who are connected through their earlier careers at Sport Illustrated, who are now joining forces for Red Door Community because we’ve all been personally touched by cancer in some way.
For Omer Jilani, it’s a close friend who is his inspiration to take part in this event. “This year is deeply personal,” he shared. “My dear friend Yolandi passed away just this past week after a courageous fight with cancer… She is my inspiration to do my small part in helping others facethis terrible disease.”
For Tim Leedom, it’s a lifelong friendship that now fuels his dedication to this effort. “In October of 2024 I lost a friend of 25+ years to brain cancer… I miss you Stephen and dedicate this effort fighting cancer to your battle and the example of fortitude and courage you set for your children.”
For Tom Beusse, it’s the loss of his sister, Patti, and the role she played in his life. “My sister Patti was someone who stepped in for me in ways I’ll never be able to repay,” he shared. “When she became ill, I wanted to be there for her the way she had been for me—but there was so little I could do. When I think of her now, I only smile. I was so fortunate to have her in my life.”
For John Cooney, it’s the ongoing fight within his own family. My motivation to participate in the golf marathon is specific to the current battle that my sister and brother have been fighting for the past few years. Sandy has multiple myeloma and Lee has bile duct cancer. Happy to report they are both making solid progress post surgeries at Sloan Kettering and Mass General respectively coupled with chemo and radiation treatments…thankfully!”
For Dan Latore, it’s the many losses he’s experienced over the years. “I’m participating in the Golf Fights Cancer Golf Marathon on behalf of Red Door Community, and thinking about the people I’ve lost to this disease. Countless family members and unfortunately more and more friends,” he shared. “My buddy Skip is always on my mind.”
These are the stories behind every swing. If you’d like to choose a particular player to support, you can do so here:
Dan Latore GFC’s Golf Marathon
John Cooney GFC’s Golf Marathon
Tom Beusse GFC’s Golf Marathon
Tim Leedom GFC’s Golf Marathon
Omer Jilani GFC’s Golf Marathon
Whether you like golf or not, this is an opportunity to support our worthy cause. We are willing to work for it!
