More than 100 golfers teed off on Monday, June 25, to raise funds for research to cure, treat and prevent Type 1 diabetes (T1D) and its complications.
JDRF South Jersey Chapter’s 27th annual golf classic raised more than $85,000 for Type 1 Diabetes Research. The South Jersey Chapter is based in Cherry Hill.
Local business leaders throughout South Jersey played at Tavistock Country Club in Haddonfield.
“We are so grateful for the continued support of our corporate and business partners,” said Tom Deeney, golf co-chairman. “Despite the current economic climate, our golfers realize that T1D does not take a break when the economy is poor. There is a constant need to fund researchers and their studies.”
“T1D takes a devastating toll on families. Insulin is life support, not a cure, and it does not prevent the devastating complications,” said Joseph McGowan, golf co-chairman.
Prizes were awarded for first, second, and third place, as well as longest drive, straightest drive and closest to the pin. The winning foursome was awarded the coveted “Castro Cup,” an award named for one of the founding members of the South Jersey Golf Tournament, Richard Castro.
Castro himself awarded the annual Student Athletic Excellence Award to Andrew Rust, a rising sophomore at Haddon Township High School. The award was created to recognize a local student living with T1D for excelling in sports, academics and professional life while successfully managing T1D.
Rust received highest honors at the end of his freshman year at Haddon Township, receiving all A’s. He is currently participating in the Ramblewood Men’s Golf League, varsity soccer camp, and as part of the varsity team in the basketball summer league.
In addition to his active lifestyle, Rust participates in the October JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes as captain of his team Andy’s Aces.
Thanks to Rust and his family, the annual Haddon Township Turkey Trot donates all proceeds of each year’s run to JDRF, and has to date brought in more than $20,000 toward T1D research.
“This kid does it all,” Castro said of Rust. “Type 1 diabetes is a difficult thing to manage, and he keeps himself healthy, active, involved — and keeps his grades extremely high. He is an inspiration to all those living with this disease, that you can manage your blood sugars and still lead a full, active life. It anything but easy, but it is worth it.”
