When Methodist Women’s Hospital opens its doors in 2010, a least a portion of the cost will have been picked up by golfers. Likewise, cancer patients who benefit from research conducted at the Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center can thank golfers who hit the links each fall to participate in memorial events organized specifically to raise money for such studies.

Methodist Hospital Foundation president Cynthia Peacock said golf fundraisers serve purposes beyond raising money. “Of course golf events raise money, but they can also be used to raise awareness and interest in the topic that will be the recipient of the funds raised,” Peacock said. “Sometimes that awareness is as valuable as the money raised from the event.”

The first Methodist Women’s Hospital Golf Classic was held on Aug. 26. Organized by Methodist Hospital’s Volunteers in Partnership, the tournament and auctions that day raised funds earmarked for the new Methodist Women’s Hospital, scheduled to open in 2010 at 192nd & W. Dodge Road. Response to the first-year event exceeded expectations.

“We set lofty goals for a first-year tournament,” said Sue Korth, chief operating officer, Methodist Women’s Hospital. “The outstanding support we received tells us there is a lot of interest in our Women’s Hospital.”

Two events that have contributed a total of nearly $125,000 to cancer research at the Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center in just three years are the Brad Lindahl Cancer Research Invitational and the Don Martineau Charity Golf Classic.

Brad Lindahl, along with family and friends, organized the first event shortly after being diagnosed with inoperable brain cancer in 2005. The tourney was so well received and the outpouring of support so great, that it has become a yearly event. The fourth annual Invitational took place on Oct. 6. Lindahl, a former University of Nebraska golfer and assistant pro at The Pines Country Club in Valley, passed away in February 2008.

Don Martineau retired to Omaha after a 10-year professional hockey career, including stints in the National Hockey League and with the former Omaha Knights. He was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2004 and died in 2006. The Martineau family organized a charity golf event in his memory with the hope of furthering research and educational opportunities on brain tumors and brain cancers. This year’s event took place on Sept. 29.

Proceeds from both events are donated through Methodist Hospital Foundation. Methodist Health System is extremely grateful to be the beneficiary of these efforts.