Cancer patients, survivors and caregivers throughout the community are invited to participate in the Marian Cancer Care Services and Monarch Dunes Golf Club’s Swing Thru Cancer support program. Swing Thru Cancer is an innovative support program that provides a team approach to healing and strengthening the bodies of those who are battling or have defeated cancer.
The program offers golf lessons to learn basic golf techniques and strategies free of charge for those who have been affected by cancer. All the golfing equipment is provided by Monarch Dunes Golf Club and lessons are every third Wednesday of the month from noon to 1 p.m. Golf lessons are taught by Monarch Dunes Head Golf Professional Jensen Lardizabal and experienced instructor Bob True.
“I thought I’d never be able to golf again, but this program brought me back,” says Swing Thru Cancer member Geri Wade. Wade is a breast and thyroid cancer survivor who has taken part in Swing Thru Cancer’s free golf lessons for nearly a year.
“The program has done more for me than just improve my golf game, it made me realize that my life isn’t over and has encouraged me to go even further,” says Wade. Now in remission, Wade’s participation in Swing Thru Life has given her the confidence to not only continue golfing, but to also take on hiking and biking.
Cancer patients and survivors participating in Swing Thru Cancer have the opportunity to learn and practice their putting, range driving and chipping skills. In addition to gaining golf knowledge, the support group’s members also learn how to remain calm, confident and optimistic.
Jennifer Davis, Marian Cancer Care Services' representative and Swing Thru Cancer group facilitator says, “Participating in this support group is a way to enjoy the outdoors, have fun, get a free golf lesson and live positively with cancer.” In addition to addressing the individual benefits of taking part in Swing Thru Cancer, Davis also emphasized the importance for those dealing with cancer to have contact and interaction with others who have overcome the disease or are still undergoing treatment.
Head Golf Professional Jensen Lardizabal and experienced instructor Bob True donate their time to give lessons to Swing Thru Cancer members. Lardizabal feels his donation is well-worth the cause since Lardizabal’s father, who taught him how to golf, died of lung cancer in 2000.
“All of the members are very appreciative and they have become my friends,” says Lardizabal. Through Lardizabal’s personal experience he understands the toll cancer takes on the body and mind and is happy to help cancer patients improve their golfing skills.
Not only are cancer patients, survivors and caregivers encouraged to attend, but family members and friends of those affected by cancer are also welcome.
Since space is limited RSVP is required to attend each session. Reservations can be made by calling Marian’s Cancer Care Services at (805) 739-3780.
