"Fore the Kids" benefiting Children's Cancer Connection

The Tom Best Memorial and The Young Open joined forces on July 4th at Toad Valley Golf Course in Pleasant Hill, IA to present, “Fore the Kids". The event included a 4-man best shot golf tournament, luncheon, and post-tournament festivities.

The golf outing had a great showing of 21 foursomes! Children's Cancer Connection would like to thank everyone who participated in the golf outing and especially those who planned the event.

The McAlexander family, a family who has used Children's Cancer Connection's programs and services, were the guests of honor at "Fore the Kids." The McAlexander's (who are pictured at the right) told their compelling story about their son being diagnosed with cancer. They informed all attendees what Children's Cancer Connection has done for their family.

To both The Tom Best Memorial and the Young Open, there was no better way to honor their friends and relatives than to join together to transform the annual get-togethers into a charitable endeavor benefiting the Children’s Cancer Connection.

Dog Affected by Cancer Visits Camp

On Monday June 14, Raccoon Valley Animal Sanctuary & Rescue paired up with Children’s Cancer Connection and brought in a special dog that knew all about cancer to Camp Heart Connection’s Oncology Camp in Boone, Iowa.


Joe, a man from the Raccoon Valley Animal Sanctuary & Rescue, brought Bear, a rescued dog who has battled cancer and undergone chemotherapy treatment, to Camp Heart Connection as a part of the “Everyday Heroes” program. Joe visited with 170 campers who have been affected by childhood cancer about Bear’s experience with cancer and about the Raccoon Valley Animal Sanctuary & Rescue.

Joe shared with the children that Bear’s journey with cancer inspired him. Joe talked to the children about Bear taking medicine, going through treatments, and staying positive, which the children related with well.

“I hope that the kids can look to Bear as another source of inspiration for them,” said Meridith Sayler, Logistics Director at Camp Heart Connection. “Joe made sure to emphasize that he didn’t think that he was a hero at Raccoon Valley Animal Sanctuary and Rescue, but he insisted that it was Bear that has the hero qualities of being a great friend and a fighter.”

The smiles and laughter coming from the children as they played with Bear and learned about his experience made it evident to all around that Bear helped the children relate their battles with cancer to others who (even animals) face the similar things on a daily basis.

“Joe and Bear brought such joy with them to camp,” said Sayler. “To see all of the smiling faces of our kids as they got unlimited hugs and kisses from Bear was great. At Children’s Cancer Connection we regard both Bear and everyone at Raccoon Valley Animal Sanctuary and Rescue as our heroes.”