Golf Fore the Kids was created in early 2003 in honor of Jacob Osit, after he courageously fought what, we then thought, was the worse part of his battle against cancer. Since then, Golf Fore the Kids has funded both the development of new aggressive cancer care strategies and treatment programs at The Jimmy Fund as well as many support services to cancer patients and their families at the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center.

On August 23, 2007, our brave little soul passed away just after his 10th birthday. Since his diagnosis with Stage IV Neuroblastoma in December 2001, he battled bravely and brought smiles to so many. Now, more than ever, we are committed to supporting his memory and helping other kids win their battle.

The Impact

Through the help of your contributions, we have been able to support three essential organizations in the battle against childhood cancer: The Hole-in-the-Wall-Gang Camp‘s Hospital Outreach Program, the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center and The Jimmy Fund (Dana-Farber Cancer Institute).

The Hospital Outreach Program at the Hole-in-the-Wall-Gang Camp brings the hopeful, playful spirit of the camp to children and families in the hospital setting.  This program helps make the hospital experience more pleasant and less frightening for children and families.

In Connecticut, approximately 150 children are diagnosed with cancer each year; 3 children every week.  Many of these kids receive treatment at the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center.  Unfortunately, the financial burden that follows a diagnosis often creates additional worries for families.  The hospital’s Family Fund provides financial relief to many families facing these significant challenges.

Through intensive chemotherapy and radiation, the cure rate of kids diagnosed with cancer has improved.  However, kids with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma still have a cure rate of less than 40%.  In addition, significant long-term effects from the treatment can last a lifetime. Current research at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is focused on discovering new genetic abnormalities in cancer cells that may lead to better and less toxic treatments.

A memorial pavilion and garden was constructed at the Boundless Playground in South Windsor. "Jacob's View" was dedicated to the memory of Jacob Aaron Osit.

A handcrafted toychest was constructed for the Hemotology/Oncology Clinic at CCMC. The chest was filled with prizes for patients to get on their clinic visits.

Childhood Cancer Facts

• Cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children.
• Every school day, 46 young people, or two classrooms of students, are diagnosed with cancer in this country.
• One in 330 children will develop cancer by age 19
• 3 children are diagnosed with cancer every week in Connecticut
• Cancer remains the number one disease killer of children
• Although survival rates are increasing, 1⁄4 of children diagnosed with cancer will die 5 years from the time of diagnosis
• Childhood cancers affect more potential patient-years of life than any other cancer except breast and lung cancer.
• The causes of most childhood cancers are unknown. At present, childhood cancer cannot be prevented.
• Childhood cancer occurs regularly, randomly and spares no ethnic group, socioeconomic class, or geographic region. In the United States, the incidence of cancer among adolescents and young adults is increasing at a greater rate than any other age group, except those over 65 years.

PLEASE JOIN OUR FIGHT AGAINST CHILDHOOD CANCER