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November 3, 2009
This Just In
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:Katie Dagenais
katie.dagenais@orlandohealth.com
407-242-0305
Women Playing for T.I.M.E. Tops $8 million in Donations for M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Orlando
Orlando, FL – November 2, 2009
Women Playing for T.I.M.E.™ (Technology, Immediate Diagnosis, Mammography and Education) raised $453,000 this year for breast cancer research and programs at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Orlando bringing the total donations by the all-women volunteer group to $8 million over the past 17 years. The announcement was made during the group’s 17th anniversary charity golf tournament recently held at the Lake Nona Golf and Country Club.
Since its inception in 1993, Women Playing for T.I.M.E. (WPFT) continues to grow its philanthropic endeavors to benefit M. D. Anderson - Orlando, and this year launched a partnership with the ANNIKA Academy, the premier golf and fitness Academy founded by Hall of Fame golfer Annika Sorenstam. ANNIKA Academy has linked up with WPFT to raise breast cancer awareness and support by offering a selection of Academy golf packages to the WPFT community.
This year, Sorenstam keynoted the golf tournament’s opening luncheon. “It was a pleasure to be a part of this group’s annual golf event,” said Sorenstam. “WPFT and my Academy share a passion for golf, living a healthy lifestyle, and making a difference. I look forward to our continued partnership to support breast cancer awareness and the work of M. D. Anderson – Orlando.” “I continue to be inspired by the work and dedication of WPFT,” said Clarence Brown, MD, President and CEO of M.D. Anderson – Orlando. “The commitment of these women and their valuable partnerships with organizations such as the ANNIKA Academy will help us keep our vision alive, to find a cure for cancer.”
“It is truly amazing the impact that this group has had on the cancer community here in Central Florida,” said Elaine Lustig, co-founder of WPFT. “We still have a lot of work to do through fundraising and public awareness efforts, we hope this community will continue to support us in our future efforts.” Recent funds from WPFT have helped M. D. Anderson - Orlando fund breast cancer research and other cancers affecting women, as well as fund the patient transport program and community education about early detection, appropriate screenings and healthy lifestyles and prevention. The organization also created Harriett’s, a free boutique at M. D. Anderson – Orlando where breast cancer patients can find health and beauty products.
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M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Orlando, part of Orlando Health, is affiliated with The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. U.S. News & World Report recently ranked M. D. Anderson Cancer Center as the top cancer treatment center in the U.S. and has ranked it as one of the top two cancer centers for the past 13 years. Orlando Health, a 1,780-bed community-owned, Florida not-for-profit organization established in 1918, annually serves nearly 2 million Central Florida residents and more than 4,500 international patients. More information is available at www.mdandersonorlando.org.
Women Playing for T.I.M.E. ® (Technology, Immediate Diagnosis, Mammography and Education) was co-founded by Elaine Lustig and Sheila Solomon in 1993 in partnership with M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Orlando, a part of Orlando Health. WPFT is a volunteer organization comprised of local women who dedicate their time, financial resources and efforts to raising awareness and financial support for the early detection, prevention and ultimately a cure of cancers affecting women. Since its inception, WPFT has raised more than $8 million through signature golf and tennis tournaments and a variety of other events. Funds support breast cancer research and programs at M. D. Anderson – Orlando, including the purchase of technologies that provide for the immediate diagnosis and education of other forms of female-related cancers. More information is available at www.wpft.org.
The ANNIKA Academy at Reunion Resort is a state-of-the-art, “boutique” teaching facility at Reunion Resort, outside of Orlando, Florida. The Academy opened in August 2006 as a way to share Annika’s passion for golf and fitness, along with her personal swing coach Henri Reis, personal trainer Kai Fusser and sister Charlotta. Their simple techniques allow players of all skill levels to reach their potential by transferring more energy and power to the golf course. The Academy provides custom made corporate packages, individualized golf instruction, personalized fitness programs, club fitting, and even the opportunity to play with Annika.
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