Birdies for Breast Cancer and Florida Hospital Cancer Institute will make a special recognition presentation to Morgan Pressel, America’s top junior and amateur golfer, on Thursday, November 17 at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida.
At 17 years of age, Florida-native Morgan Pressel has achieved incredible success in the world of golf. From when she first exploded into the women’s golf scene four years ago at age 12 when she qualified for the 2001 US Women’s Open, Morgan has proven herself to be a true champion. After her impressive runner-up finish at the 2005 US Women’s Open, she went on to become the first player to complete the "Career AJGA Slam" and won the prestigious US Women’s Amateur title. In addition to her eleven AJGA titles, Morgan was also a member of victorious teams for the Junior Solheim Cup (’02 and ’05) and Canon Cup (’04) and named to five Rolex Junior All-American teams, being honored with the Rolex Junior Player of the Year in 2005.
Morgan’s mother would have been proud to see her daughter fight hard to realize all their dreams and beyond. Morgan’s mother watched her breakout performance at the 2001 US Women’s Open but passed away from breast cancer two years later. Morgan found strength in her mother’s spirit, winning the 2005 US Women’s Amateur and all five legs of the Career AJGA Slam in just over a year, starting in July 2004.
Birdies for Breast Cancer will present Morgan with its annual CoURagE Award, which goes to an individual affected by breast cancer who has conquered obstacles to achieve greatness. "Morgan has demonstrated incredible strength of character excelling at golf while overcoming her family’s loss," says Cristie Kerr, LPGA Tour player and Founder of Birdies for Breast Cancer. "It is this type of courage and fighting spirit that we are proud to present Morgan with our award."
Florida Hospital Cancer Institute will also be dedicating a breast cancer research fund in Morgan’s mother’s name, Kathryn Krickstein Pressel. "It is with great joy that we establish a fund to celebrate the life and memory of Kathryn Krickstein Pressel," says Brea Barnes, Director of Development for the Florida Hospital Foundation. "We are fortunate to have so many friends to help in our search for a cure." Birdies for Breast Cancer will be making the first donation to the Kathryn Krickstein Pressel Memorial Fund out of proceeds from the UpLink Birdies for Breast Cancer Charity Golf Classic.
Cristie founded Birdies for Breast Cancer, a Florida-based not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation, after her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003. Having been deeply affected by her mother’s painful struggle to recovery, Cristie wanted to do whatever she could to fight the disease. Birdies for Breast Cancer was formed for the purpose of supporting breast cancer research. Cristie donates $50 for every birdie she makes in competition.
Cristie will be hosting her third annual charity golf event, the UpLink Birdies for Breast Cancer Charity Golf Classic, at Reunion Resort & Club outside of Orlando, Florida, on December 3, 2005. Beneficiaries of this year’s event include Florida Hospital Cancer Institute and The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. To learn more about how you can join Cristie and help support breast cancer research, please visit www.birdiesforbreastcancer.com.
Since 1989, the Florida Hospital Cancer Institute has been Florida’s, and one of the nation’s, leading cancer treatment centers. As part of the 17-hospital Florida Hospital system, the Cancer Institute is committed to conducting advanced cancer research and clinical trials while providing the highest standards of patient care. FHCI has one of the largest cancer research programs in Florida, and works with world-renowned cancer scientists to take medicine from the lab bench to the bedside. FHCI treats more cancer patients than any other health system in Florida and offers more than 150 clinical trials annually – including groundbreaking breast cancer trials. Funds raised through this event will support new and ongoing breast cancer research at FHCI. More information about the Florida Hospital Cancer Institute Breast Care Program can be found at www.floridahospital.com/breastcancer.
Contact:
Christine J. Lay
The Circle Group
212.719.3891
claydo@verizon.net
