Tag: Cancer

Skin cancer and golf: How one man is hoping to halt the disease’s spread (and finding powerful allies)

Like many calls to action over illness or disease, Dan Mechem’s decision to confront skin cancer came from a personal story.

Like many calls to action over illness or disease, Dan Mechem’s decision to confront skin cancer came from a personal story. In Mechem’s case, it was the death of a close friend.

“He had never seen a dermatologist,” Mechem said. “He was completely blindsided. He said to me about a week before he died that he felt like he didn’t have to die.”

In Mechem’s research about skin cancer after the death of his friend, he was disappointed in what was offered and what was being done about what he calls the fastest growing cancer in the country. So along with friend Randy Wyatt, who spent more than 40 years as a health care executive, most recently at a for-profit skin cancer company, Mechem decided to start his own non-profit for skin cancer called SknVue.

With a desire to take the message global, he took some advice from his father, former LPGA commissioner Charles Mechem.

“He said why not focus on golf. Golf is an outdoor sport, and it is certainly global,” said Mechem, a California businessman and financial advisor.

LPGA Hall of Famer Nancy Lopez is part of the board of the new SknVue non-profit focusing on skin cancer education.

The result surprised Mechem, who said not only did players such as Nancy Lopez, Juli Inkster, Dottie Pepper, Andy North and others love the idea of fighting skin cancer, they jumped at a chance to be on the board of directors of SknVue.

“A lot of people don’t know that skin cancer is the world’s most common cancer, and that it is actually the most preventable,” said North, a two-time U.S. Open champion, in the release announcing the formation of the Oceanside-based non-profit. “Skin cancer, you are on notice. We are coming after you with a vengeance to save lives.”

Working to spread the message

While the non-profit status of SknVue remains pending – the company has come together in the last four months – Mechem said he, Wyatt and others at SknVue are making plans to push the message of skin cancer and its prevention out to the public. To be called Skn In the Game, the global outreach campaign will focus its efforts on the golf community worldwide.

The numbers for skin cancer can be frightening, but also encouraging for the public, Mechem said. Mechem said one in five people have some form of skin cancer before they are 70 years old. But he added 80 percent of people have never seen a dermatologist, the first step in identifying and treating skin cancer. With early detection, skin cancer has a 99 percent survival rate for five years.

One focus for Mechem and Wyatt will be getting more and more people in golf interested in the non-profit.

“We want a board coalition of people who are in golf,” Mechem said. “We will approach players, Golf Channel, PING, anyone who is in golf, to become part of our effort.”

One of those partnerships will be with the LPGA and its developmental tour, the Symetra Tour, to allow those organizations to reach out to their fans with the skin cancer message. Other plans include partnering with a Canadian health care firm, MetaOptima. Mechem said more details of that partnership will come in the next month or so and will be about opportunities for people to take their skin care health into their own hands initially.

Mechem, who admits Wyatt is the partner with the science background in the non-profit, said the message for people can be as simple as understanding what does and doesn’t work in combating skin cancer. Exposure to the sun even on a cloudy day can cause issues, and Mechem is a strong advocate for no one using tanning beds.

“On the sunscreen side, sometimes people just have the wrong product,” Mechem said. “There are products out there that are actually not good for you. That’s one of the things we want to do before we get with the LPGA and the Symetra, find out who has the right products, products that we want to be involved with.”

More information can be found online at www.sknvue.org or SkinVue pages on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, or Dan Mechem, 888-367-5956, for partnership contacts.

Larry Bohannan is The Desert Sun golf writer. He can be reached at (760) 778-4633 or larry.bohannan@desertsun.com. Follow him on Facebook or on Twitter at @Larry_Bohannan. 

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Arizona State head coach Missy Farr-Kaye battles cancer for a third time

Missy Farr-Kaye is battling cancer a third time. She expects treatment to end just before Arizona State hosts the NCAA Championships in May.

Missy Farr-Kaye stood in the media room four years ago after the NCAA Women’s Championship and pointed toward the gray T-shirt she’d put on over her uniform to celebrate Arizona State’s latest national title.

“I’m a scar roadmap,” she said, referring to the 15 surgeries, radiation and chemotherapy she’d endured as a two-time breast cancer survivor.

Farr-Kaye’s sister, Heather, died of breast cancer at age 28, and Missy was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 30 and again at age 40. Last November, at age 53, she was diagnosed with colon cancer. Her dad battled colon cancer too.

Just before Thanksgiving, Farr-Kaye’s three sons dropped her at the hospital door for surgery – to remove the mass and her appendix – and picked her up three days later. COVID-19 kept her from having any visitors. That was hard, she said, but her nurses were angels.

“It looks like I’m going to keep my hair,” said Farr-Kaye, who was at home, hooked up to an IV when she answered the phone.

Farr-Kaye began chemotherapy on Dec. 28 and will be on a 14-day cycle. Right now it’s looking like one week at home, and one week at work. The treatments are scheduled to end in mid-April, just in time for the NCAA postseason. She’s battling through the side effects of chemo, including neuropathy and nausea, with the help of Netflix and sports.

Doctors caught the cancer early and believe she will be cancer-free following treatment. Farr-Kaye teared up on the phone when talking about her sons, who range in age from 17 to 27.

“That look of fear in your child’s eyes, even when they’re not children anymore,” she said, “is tough to take.”

Farr-Kaye will rely heavily on her old teammate at ASU, associate head coach Michelle Estill, the 1991 LPGA Rolex Rookie of the Year. Estill returned to her alma mater to coach alongside Farr-Kaye in the months before ASU won the 2017 NCAA title.

With the Sun Devils hosting this year’s NCAA Championship at Grayhawk Golf Club in May, a delayed opportunity given that COVID canceled the 2020 championship, there are plenty of reasons to expect inspired play out of ASU this spring.

“We’re done sitting around,” said Estill of the Pac-12 returning to competition later this month.

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Farr-Kaye views coaching as a calling rather a job. The COVID-19 pandemic has been life-changing and perspective-shifting for everyone. Farr-Kaye’s most recent cancer diagnosis brought the Sun Devils even closer.

“Life isn’t always fair, and it doesn’t always make sense,” said Farr-Kaye. “I want to prepare them for life. I feel that’s part of my purpose in why I coach.”

The culture Farr-Kaye builds at ASU, Estill noted, is centered around a family atmosphere. Every player from last year’s roster returned this spring, including fifth-year senior Olivia Mehaffey.

“We cried together and then we pulled ourselves up because coach is such a role model and leader,” said Estill.

“The love we have for each other really shines in times like this.”

 

Kyler Murray sent an awesome message and invitation to a young fan battling cancer

So great.

While Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray’s breakout second NFL season has Arizona in the playoff hunt, he’s already doing his part to live up to the superstar billing off the field.

Last week, a 12-year-old fan named Hector Nahle reached out to Murray in an Instagram video. Hector, a youth-league quarterback from Monterrey, Mexico, was about to enter surgery for his cancer treatment and wanted to send a message to his favorite NFL quarterback.

Hector let Murray know that the Cardinals quarterback was his inspiration, and he added that he’d love to have the opportunity to meet Murray in person one day.

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The power of social media was in full effect here as the video made its way to Murray. And on Thursday, Hector shared a personal response from Murray on Instagram.

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Murray said, inviting Hector and his entire family to Dallas once it’s safe for him to do so:

“Hector, what’s up, bro? It’s Kyler here, man. First and foremost, I want to say you’re a warrior, bro. You inspire me just as much as I inspire you. You’re inspiring all of us. I can’t wait to meet you, but in the meantime, I’m sending you a couple things. Hopefully, you’ll like ‘em. We got a signed game jersey, some merch for you, bro. When you’re fully recovered, we’ll fly you out to Dallas. I know you play quarterback. We’ll get some routes in, we’ll throw some balls around, have some fun, get a nice meal. I’ll fly you and your family out, man. Like I said, I can’t wait to meet you. Keep fighting, dude. Keep fighting, bro. We’re all behind you, thinking about you. We love you, bro.”

You absolutely love to see that. And let’s hope the best for Hector as he continues his recovery.

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Demario Davis says his 1-year old daughter is cancer-free

New Orleans Saints linebacker Demario Davis told TMZ Sports that his daughter Carly-Faith is cancer-free after a battle with retinoblastoma.

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Here’s some great news: New Orleans Saints linebacker Demario Davis announced Monday that his young daughter Carly-Faith is free of retinoblastoma, a rare eye cancer. The treatment required surgical removal, and Carly-Faith now wears a prosthetic.

Davis broke the news to TMZ Sports, saying: “I’m a person that just never try to take anything for granted and to know what she’s been through, even to the point of having to lose her eye, but her body is free of cancer.”

It’s obviously big for the Davis family, and they’re all thankful to put this behind them. And it’s impressive that Davis has been able to compartmentalize the situation against his job as one of the NFL’s best linebackers and a team captain, somehow balancing his commitment to his daughter’s health with what he’s been able to accomplish on the field. Just this week, he notched a dozen tackles in his team’s win over the San Francisco 49ers, the most he’s recorded in a game since signing with the Saints back in 2018.

That certainly speaks to the strength of his character. And he sees this as an opportunity to reach out and support others. Davis added, “We’re able to use her story and bring awareness to a lot of families that probably wouldn’t of known about it if it wasn’t for us going through it.”

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LPGA apprentice plays 200 holes of golf in 12 hours for breast cancer research

Brittany Ferrante played 200 holes of golf in 12 hours to raise $52,000 for breast cancer research.

Most golfers are exhausted after 18 holes of golf, but can you imagine playing 200 holes of golf in 12 hours?

According to an article at LPGA.com, Brittany Ferrante played 200 holes in 12 hours to raise money for breast cancer research. An alumnus of the Division I University of Hartford golf program, Ferrante is an LPGA apprentice and is also currently the director of the junior golf program at The Village Club of Sands Point in Long Island, New York. 

When she is not instructing the youth of the game, she is raising money for those battling breast cancer and prostate cancer with the Babes Against Cancer foundation, part of the American Cancer Society.

After completion of the 200 holes, Ferrante had raised a grand total of $52,000 for breast cancer research. “I was speechless because I couldn’t even imagine how much money had been raised,” said Ferrante.

Ferrante doubted herself going into the golf marathon, and originally thought she couldn’t even complete 100 holes. 

LPGA apprentice Brittany Ferrante played a lot of golf on one day — all to raise money for breast cancer research. (Photo courtesy LPGA)

Not only did she complete 200 holes of golf, but she also posted some impressive numbers

“I started with a 76, then I had a 72 in the second round and then five 75’s,” said Ferrante. “It made me fall in love with the game even more which I didn’t even think was possible.”

Ferrante had members following her, cheering her on and offering to bring her favorite snacks to guide her through her round; a remarkable day for this role model. 

In 2018, the club raised $16,000 and only two years later, the club has more than tripled that number thanks to Ferrante.

“When I made that putt on the 200th hole, I dropped to my knees and I started crying,” explained Ferrante. “I knew how much we were playing for, but I didn’t realize how much the charities had struggled. It was one of the best days of life.” 

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‘He’s battling right now:’ Ron Rivera continues to coach through cancer treatment

Rivera left after practice on Thursday and had Del Rio speak to the media, who said that the HC is battling with treatment.

Washington head coach Ron Rivera missed Wednesday’s practice to receive treatment for his lymph node cancer, which was diagnosed right before the season. On Thursday, he was at practice, but left shortly after, leaving DC Jack Del Rio to speak to the media in his absence.

According to Del Rio, who has been filling in as the head man when Rivera is absent, the HC is battling right now, and not feeling very well because of it.

“He’s tough as can be and doing what he can,” Del Rio said. “And as coaches and players, we have to do everything we can to carry on the message.”

As the season goes on, Rivera’s well-being will be something to watch, as he continues his fight against cancer, while also working to get his team ready each and every week.

We’re supporting you every step of the way, coach. Keep fighting, and let your guys pick up the slack when you need them to.

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Saints players wish the best to former rival Ron Rivera after cancer diagnosis

New Orleans Saints leaders Cameron Jordan and Demario Davis wished Washington Football Team coach Ron Rivera well after his cancer diagnosis

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The NFL was shaken late Thursday evening when Washington Football Team coach Ron Rivera announced that he was diagnosed with lymph node cancer, which he described to ESPN’s Adam Schefter as “very treatable and curable.” Rivera, 58, is optimistic that treatment won’t keep him away from football for very long.

Nevertheless, it’s a very serious situation for Rivera’s personal health. And several team leaders of the New Orleans Saints, defensive end Cameron Jordan and linebacker Demario Davis, are sending their best wishes to their longtime rival in the NFC South:

While Rivera is busy building the Washington Football Team from the ground up, his impact on the NFC South can’t be forgotten. The Saints clearly have a healthy respect for what he accomplished.

Rivera’s Carolina Panthers gave the Saints more trouble than any other regime since Sean Payton was hired to run the show in New Orleans. His Panthers teams won the division title three years in a row from 2013 to 2015, and his winning percentage is one of the best among coaches to lead multiple seasons in the NFC South since 2006:

  • Sean Payton (Saints, 2006-2019): 131-77-0, .630
  • Mike Smith (Falcons, 2008-2014): 66-46-0, .589
  • Ron Rivera (Panthers, 2011-2019): 76-63-1, .546
  • Dan Quinn (Falcons, 2015-2019): 43-37-0, .538
  • John Fox (Panthers, 2006-2010): 37-43-0, .463
  • Jon Gruden (Buccaneers, 2006-2008): 22-26-0, .458
  • Dirk Koetter (Buccaneers, 2016-2018): 19-29-0, .396
  • Raheem Morris (Buccaneers, 2009-2011): 17-31-0, .354
  • Greg Schiano (Buccaneers, 2012-2013): 11-21-0, .344
  • Lovie Smith (Buccaneers, 2014-2015): 8-24-0, .250

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Gators News: August 17, 2020

It is a new week and as we inch towards the return of college football down here in the SEC there is plenty going on around the sports world

It is a new week and as we inch towards the return of college football down here in the Southeastern Conference, there is plenty going on around the sports world to report on.

Leading off, tonight the SEC will announce its official 2020 football schedule tonight at 7 p.m. ET on the SEC Network. The league appears to be moving forward strong towards fall competition and releasing the schedule now is sure to please a plethora of fans.

Not everyone will be playing if/when the season starts, however, as Ole Miss senior center Eli Johnson announced he is opting out of the 2020 college football season, whose father was hospitalized and placed on a ventilator after being infected with the novel coronavirus back in March.

Adam Jardy at The Columbus Dispatch asks if a “bubble” plan could work for college basketball and takes a look at the variables involved. Our own Tyler Nettuno discussed whether there would even be a season in his column last month, and not much has changed since.

There is sad news in the Gator Nation, as former wide receiver and current Florida International assistant coach Aubrey Hill has passed away after a long bout with cancer. He was 48 years old.

Around the Swamp

It’s great to be a Florida Gator!

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PGA Tour player Camilo Villegas’ daughter dies at 22 months

After battling tumors on her brain and spine, Mia Villegas, the 22-month-old daughter of PGA Tour player Camilo Villegas, passed away.

After battling tumors on her brain and spine for the past six months, Mia Villegas, the 22-month-old daughter of PGA Tour player Camilo Villegas, passed away on Sunday, according to the PGA Tour.

Villegas, 38, revealed his daughter’s health battle in June before the start of the Korn Ferry Challenge at TPC Sawgrass. Villegas and his wife, Maria, had noticed their daughter was not acting like herself in February while Camilo was playing the Honda Classic. Mia had stopped climbing and playing during her frequent trips to the gym with her dad and was crying more at night.

Initially, Camilo and Maria thought the change in behavior had to do with Mia teething. Scans at the Nicklaus Children’s Hopsital in Miami on March 14 revealed the tumors. Mía underwent surgery, but Camilo and Maria were told that persisting issues would require more treatment.

“After the surgery, when it was time to remove the stitches, they learned the growth had become pretty aggressive,” he told the PGA Tour. “We were told we needed to start treatment right away, so they kept us there. Physically, though, she wasn’t ready to get the kind of chemo doctors were hoping for.”

Mia was Camilo and Maria’s only child.

Villegas finished T-33 at the Korn Ferry Challenge and has not teed it up in competition since. Villegas is playing on a medical extension and has 13 PGA Tour starts left. He made his lone start on the Tour at the Honda Classic and missed the cut.

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Twitter shares support for Floyd Little after cancer diagnosis

Sports fans took to Twitter to tweet support for former Broncos running back Floyd Little.

Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Floyd Little has been diagnosed with a “treatable but aggressive form of cancer,” former college football teammate Pat Killorin told Nate Mink of Syracuse.com.

Killorin started a GoFundMe page to help pay for Little’s medical expenses. As of Sunday morning, the page has raised almost $13,000.

“Floyd has a wide community of support who expressed the desire to support him in prayer and in the expense of his cancer treatment,” Killorin wrote on the GoFundMe page. “So we created this Friends of Floyd (‘FOF’) Page with the permission of the Little Family to receive words of encouragement and to solicit funds to offset the financial burden this journey will take on Floyd and his family. We believe the last thing we want our friend Floyd to do is to worry about this expense or to give up in order to avoid it.”

Broncos fans, Syracuse alumni, media members and coaches shared messages of support for Little on Twitter.

Little, 77, was a three-time first-team All-American at Syracuse before going on to earn five Pro Bowl selections with the Broncos in the NFL. He is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Denver and Syracuse both retired his No. 44 jersey.

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