TOUR wives, players give sick children a special day

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Caryn Levy/PGA TOUR

Players like Jim Furyk, Ben Crane and Luke Donald took time to entertain Community PedsCare kids on Tuesday.

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. -- It didn't have the crowd noise of a Sunday birdie on the 17th at THE PLAYERS Championship, but there were plenty of cheers, laughs and tears to go around Tuesday in the "These Kids Can Play PaintFest!" hosted by the PGA TOUR Wives Association.

Caryn Levy/PGA TOUR

This was the second year that THE PLAYERS has put on an event for the Community PedsCase program.

The event featured 25 children in the Community PedsCare program, which provides support to those with terminal or life-limiting illnesses. The kids, along with their families and caretakers, were able to hone their golf skills on the UBS 17th Challenge replica hole and putting green, while showing off their artistic flair by painting. The artwork will be on display in local hospitals following the event.

There to help were PGA TOUR members Bo Van Pelt, Ben Crane, Luke Donald, Justin Leonard, Jim Furyk, Davis Love III, as well as teaching pros from the PGA TOUR Academy.

Five-year-old Samantha Fross, who was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at six months of age, returned with her parents for the second straight year and made multiple trips to the 17th Challenge, taking full advantage of photo opportunities with many of the players and wives along the way.

Amy Mickelson, wife of Phil Mickelson, spent much of the morning comforting those children unable to paint or swing a golf club. She kept smiles on the faces of the children, and even though some could not participate, made sure each autograph was signed and each picture request granted.

Five-year-old Clara Rasch, daughter of Kevin and Beth Rasch of Jacksonville, Fla., was born with a rare condition which causes seizures. Her goal Tuesday was to enjoy the experience and allow younger brothers Ian and Leo to take the spotlight and enjoy the full effects of the morning.

"Sometimes the siblings lose out on normal activities because of the needs of one child," said Sandy Perry, wife of Kenny Perry. "This is fun for everybody in the family."

Kevin Rasch, a Navy helicopter pilot who moved the family to Florida after Clara was born in London, agreed. "It's been great for our entire family. When we leave here, we'll go back to reality. It's a good reality though because we're so blessed with programs like this."

Tabitha Furyk, who has worked with Community PedsCare in the "Halloween Doors and More" event each October in Jacksonville, felt good about the program when she matched them up for THE PLAYERS in 2008.

"The wives travel all over the country and have a charity event in every city, yet we didn't have one here in my hometown," she said. "I knew it would be great since it was right here at the course and the players, the wives and the kids could interact. These kids don't get to spend a lot of time out of a hospital, so this is an opportunity for them to relax and have fun with their families. This year, we've added the PaintFest and have had a great response."

Husband Jim Furyk applauds Tabitha's effort and is happy to be involved. "She ran with it and the wives all work very hard at this," he said. "Last year, with Commissioner (Tim) Finchem's help and the help of sponsors, $50,000 was raised for this charity. It's amazing. To see the success and the kids come out having a great time is humbling. We know the kids and their families have a lot of struggles. This is a neat event for them."

Luke Donald, who marveled at one of the kids hitting it less than two feet on from the hole on the 17th Challenge, shook his head with a smile. "This is what the PGA TOUR is all about -- giving back to the communities," he said. "It's our slogan. You can see all the people out here helping from the wives to the players. We just want to give the kids a good day. It's nice to give back."

Justin Leonard, on his way to the practice range, stopped in to lend a hand. "It's wonderful what the wives are doing to help get these kids out there," he said. "This is quite special. What a great morning for them."

Bo Van Pelt, who has three kids of his own (ages 3, 6, 8), couldn't help thinking about them. "This is near and dear to my heart," he said. "I think it's great because of the fact that they can be a kid for a day and not have to worry about hospitals and tests."

Taking part for Ben Crane was like a wake-up call. "Wow. We play golf for a living," he said. "Life for us is like a fantasy world sometimes. This is a reality check."

Community PedsCare was founded in 2000 by Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, in collaboration with Wolfson Children's Hospital, Nemours Children's Clinic and the University of Florida.

Dr. Jeffrey Goldhagen, Director of Community PedsCare, believes the program, which offers in-home medical, nursing, psychological, spiritual and volunteer service, is one of the most innovative in the country.

"Primarily, we run by philanthropy," said Goldhagen. "There's not a lot of insurance and support that comes to us. So, in order to give these children a quality life, we need the entire community to come together. That is, in fact, what this community has done."

Goldhagen praised the efforts of the PGA TOUR, UBS and other sponsors for the event, adding, "This is one of the few days during the year that they can come out, be part of the community and actually feel normal, in many respects. I'm watching some of them miss the green into the water on this replica 17th hole just like the professionals will do during the tournament."