Golfers raise funds for prostate cancer research

The John H. Kauffman Prostate Cancer Fundraiser, hosted annually by the Dunwoody Country Club's Champions Golf Association, raised $400,000 at their 2021 event on October 12. Kauffman, the inaugural chair of Winship's Board of Advisors and a former patient, passed away in 2013.

The community tournament, started in 2010, has raised more than $1 million in support of prostate cancer research at Winship Cancer Institute, including the Winship Invest$ Prostate Cancer Research Pilot Grant Program.

Martin Sanda, MD, chair of Emory's Department of Urology, says, "Proceeds from their annual tournament, and gifts from other supporters, have enabled us, in part, to recruit new prostate cancer scientists to Emory Urology and Winship Cancer Institute, research new tests for prostate cancer screening and detection, and open a multidisciplinary prostate cancer clinic at Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital."

The pilot grant program has funded more than 20 projects by different faculty spanning the gamut, from basic cancer biology to translational, health services and clinical research in prostate cancer. Funds raised from these events also support Winship's Prostate Cancer Biorepository, an invaluable resource for bench-to-bedside research to develop new diagnostics and treatments.

Suresh S. Ramalingam, MD, executive director of Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University says, "We are immensely thankful to the Dunwoody Country Club's Champions Golf Association for their generosity and continued support for Winship's fight against prostate cancer. Through their support, Winship is pursuing cutting-edge research with the ultimate goal of discovering cures and inspiring hope."