Swinging for the Cure

For more than 25 years, a team of dedicated volunteers have hosted the Fight 4 Diabetes Cure Golf Tournament in Montgomery County each May. The $2.9 million-plus raised has supported Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center's diabetes care services as well as national organizations that conduct research and support children with diabetes.

Thanks to their efforts, Adventist HealthCare patients with diabetes can access a Spanish-speaking registered nurse at every stage of their diagnoses. The nurse, who provides tailored, 1-to-1, culturally competent education, helps patients understand their medications and make lifestyle modifications that prevent complications.

Funding 'Fore' a Need

Phil Cantor and Andy Bridge, co-chairs of the Fight 4 Diabetes Cure Golf Tournament that made the resource possible for patients, founded the Fight 4 Diabetes Cure foundation that hosts the tournament. Phil, chairman and managing partner of the foundation, and Andy, co-chair and secretary, are both passionate about finding a cure for this life-compromising and life-threatening disease.

For Phil, the cause is deeply personal. At the age of 41, his sister, Carol, suffered a diabetic stroke. She lived another 30 years but required a home health aide and struggled with diabetes-related complications for the rest of her life. Other members of his family also live with diabetes.

"The effects of diabetes on the person with the disease and the family who cares for them can be devastating," explained Phil. "This dreadful disease has had such a big impact on my life, how could I not choose that as my charity?"

Phil's wife, Marion, and their two sons, Jake and Ross, devote countless hours to making the tournament memorable for participants, volunteers and vendors. Everyone involved shares a commitment to supporting diabetes research, ensuring funds raised have a direct impact on the community and helping children with diabetes.

A Decade of Support

Andy, a past chair of Shady Grove Medical Center's Foundation board, encouraged Fight 4 Diabetes Cure to choose the hospital as its community partner.

Over the past 10 years, the golf tournament has given nearly $500,000 to Adventist HealthCare for education and patient access to diabetes management supplies.

"There is a great need for diabetes resources in our community and not enough to go around," said Gina Maxham, director of Community Benefit & Engagement at Adventist HealthCare. "There are even fewer resources for Spanish-speaking diabetes patients, which is unfortunate because the prevalence of diabetes is higher in Hispanic adults than non-Hispanic white adults."

"Diabetes is a challenging disease that requires life-long management," said Dan Cochran, the hospital's president. "Shady Grove Medical Center is grateful to the Fight 4 Diabetes Cure foundation for giving so generously so our patients with diabetes can thrive."

Phil and Andy get enormous satisfaction knowing their gifts to the diabetes program directly help neighbors and colleagues at Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center.

"The Fight 4 Diabetes Cure Golf Tournament is a labor of love for all involved," Andy said.

"To be able to make a difference in the lives of family, friends, neighbors and colleagues is very gratifying," added Phil.

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