'On Par for Pediatrics' charity event invites golfers to help area kids
Children throughout Springfield and surrounding communities are receiving extended medical care, and their families often need extra help paying for lodging, food or transportation. SIU Medicine is inviting all golfers to form teams to help these children facing life-altering diseases through the On Par for Pediatrics charity golf outing.
A shotgun start will begin the game at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, June 10, at The Rail Golf Course, 1400 S. Club House Dr., Springfield. An entry fee of $125 per player includes green fees, golf cart, on-course beverages, games and prizes, and a Twyford BBQ dinner. Sponsorships at various levels of support, including golf carts dedicated in honor or memory of a family member or friend, also are available.
Registration can be emailed to foundation@siumed.edu or completed online. Checks payable to the SIU Foundation for the outing/sponsorships may also be sent to the SIU Foundation, P.O. Box 19666, Springfield, IL 62794-9666, or call 217-545-2955 weekdays for information.
The Department of Pediatrics at SIU Medicine has played an integral role in caring for children in Springfield and surrounding communities since the school’s inception in 1970. The mission of On Par for Pediatrics is to ease financial burden for families whose children are receiving extended medical care. Proceeds will also continue to support children who are battling cancer and blood disorders.
“The pandemic allowed us to reevaluate the ways in which we can support our chronically ill patients and their parents 365 days a year,” says Doug Carlson, MD, chair of the Department of Pediatrics at SIU Medicine. COVID-19 put Camp COCO, which stands for Children’s Oncology Camp Organization, on hold. Prior to the pandemic, the one-week summer camp provided kids with cancer and blood disorders the opportunity to enjoy traditional camp activities safely and without judgement.
