 U-M
Sofia Merajver (left) and tennis pro
Serena Williams |
"Players That Care," Care
about Ovarian Cancer
Tennis is like life- you only get one chance." That
was the theme of a recent fundraising event organized by Linda
Long, a consultant for Puma whose mother, Mrs. Opal Long,
passed away from ovarian cancer in 1999. Ms. Long's passion
to stop others from enduring "this horrible, painful
disease," spurred her to develop The Players That Care
Charity Golf and Tennis Event.
Ms. Long's professional relationship with Serena Williams
became more personal when Williams, at age 17, wrote a poem
about Long's mother the week she passed away (available online
at www.players thatcare.org). Williams helped Long create
the one-of-a-kind event, along with the talents and energy
of other dedicated, high-profile players such as Michael Chang,
Lisa Raymond and Rick Leach.
Held last fall in Las Vegas, the event raised $60,000 for
Dr. Sofia Merajver's ovarian cancer research at the U-M Cancer
Center. The two-day event included a golf tournament at Bali
Hai Golf Club, during which participants played a round of
golf with men and women tennis superstars. The tennis event
took place at Anthem Sun City and included a unique round-robin
format where participants played tennis with the pros and
watched the pros in a special exhibition. Participants also
had the opportunity to take part in an exclusive tennis clinic.
The event wrapped up with a gala dinner, including a silent
auction with autographed sports memorabilia and other distinctive
items. The success of this event is a product of the cooperation
of countless volunteers from Michigan, Las Vegas and elsewhere;
generous sponsors; altruistic tennis players; and the resolve
of one person to coordinate efforts for the common goal of
beating ovarian cancer. Plans are underway for this year's
event, scheduled for early December.
For more information, visit www.playersthatcare.org.
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