Golfers tee off against cancer

COEUR d'ALENE - Pink dotted the lush green turf Friday at The Coeur d'Alene Resort Golf Course.

More than 80 women, most wearing something - a shirt, visor, skirt or ribbon - bearing the pale red color associated with breast cancer awareness, participated in a women's golf clinic and tournament fundraiser.

The event was hosted by The Resort golf course with all proceeds going to benefit the American Cancer Society to support breast cancer research and services.

"The ladies in the pro shop decided three weeks ago that they wanted to do this," said Shelly Christensen, the golf course's event coordinator. "It's been a great response in a short time."

Most of the golf course employees helped pull the event off, with some of the lake shuttle boat captains and beverage cart servers donating their gratuities from the event back to the American Cancer Society.

"My mom is a breast cancer survivor, so on a personal note, I'm doing this for my mom," Christensen said.

For Cheryl Dittman, a pro shop employee, it's also personal. Her husband died a year ago from pancreatic cancer, so she understands the need for all kinds of cancer research.

Dittman appreciates the business community's support for the golf event by sponsoring holes or donating items for prizes.

"The merchants have just jumped right in," Dittman said. "They've been phenomenal."

Course employees hope to hold the benefit annually.

Judy Nixon, a 26-year cancer survivor and longtime North Idaho advocate, spoke to the group during the luncheon.

Her most important message, she said, is: "Don't hide or be afraid."

"If you find a lump, don't ignore it. That goes for men and women," Nixon said.

Local American Cancer Society spokeswoman Nicol Barnes said the key to survival is early detection.

Barnes was thrilled when she got the call that the golf fundraiser was being planned.

The money raised will be used to support breast cancer research and services for women in Kootenai County only.

Donations like this can be restricted for a specific purpose, Barnes said, although American Cancer Society's central activities - research, advocacy, services and education - are directed at all types of cancer.

"We're second only to the government in giving money to cancer research," Barnes said.

It's not just about finding a cure, but also new treatments, medications and ways to detect cancers.

Barnes said that through the years her agency has supported the researchers who developed the pap smear, mammogram and other revolutionary cancer tests and treatments.

The best example of the power of the society's advocacy efforts involves smoking, Barnes said. It's no longer on airplanes, or allowed in public places.

"Cigarettes are behind the counter in stores today, and not on it. They're not sold in vending machines any more," Barnes said. "We had something to do with that."