Ret Convey
Being a hero is a full time job. We demand that they impress us with their greatness, touch our hearts in undefinable ways and introduce us to a world where all things are possible.
But most of all, these people must inspire us to hope.
Only when our demands are met do we bestow the title “Hero” upon them—often—without their consent, or even knowledge.
Chrisie Funari is such a hero and the SBWGA, with the support of the Lady Niners, invite you to hear her speak at a charity golf luncheon on Tuesday, January 31.
Chrisie, who would deny she is a hero, was called upon to step into that roll when her daughter Ava was diagnosed with stage four Neuroblastoma, an aggressive form of pediatric cancer, at 18 months of age.
The next three years were a training camp in heroism as Ava and her family fought the heartbreaking battles demanded of them with grace and dignity.
When Ava lost her hard-fought battle and left her family at the age of four, her mother, as heroes do, faced the pain and refused to let it defeat her, or more importantly, silence her little girl.
She was determined that Ava’s joyous childhood voice would be heard by others fighting the same battle and that its message would be one of support, understanding and compassion, regardless of financial circumstances.
Ava’s Voice speaks through the Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children, which Chrisie founded, and offers hope and help to the 350 Arizona families who are called upon each year to fight the same battles.
The SBWGA 18 heard Ava’s Voice and selected the Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children to support at its upcoming Cancer Golf event. We hope you will join us on January 31 for a wonderful day of golf, lunch, raffles and inspiration as we listen to Chrisie Funari speak.
First on the agenda is a morning of casual golf – (9 or 18 holes—your option). You may construct your own foursome or we’ll be happy to do it for you. You need not be a member of a golf league to participate; you’re only required to have a handicap. Following golf you’ll be treated to a delicious luncheon where you’ll be required to love good food shared with friends. During lunch you’ll have the opportunity to buy raffle tickets for a magnificent, hand-made quilt and many other items. The only requirement is that you bring cash or a check and a winning spirit. In the event you wish to make a donation to the Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children at the luncheon, you will be required to accept the heartfelt thanks of the many families who are fighting the battle daily, because you are a hero to them.
Please access the SBWGA and Lady Niner’s websites for more information and applications or check the poster in the computer room during January.
Questions? Contact Geri Sandilands at [email protected]