September 2022 was life changing for my family, when my wife, Erin (aka Murph) found a lump in her breast. Wading through a series of tests, we soon found out it was breast cancer. Following a few treatment decisions, we we were grateful to have, she proceeded with a double mastectomy, 4 rounds of chemotherapy and with the support of excellent medical staff, support from friends and family, and through bunches of tears and smiles, we are feeling we are on the good side of this battle.
Throughout this intense process, we were fortunate to be connected with the Vineyard Havens organization by a nomination from her case manager at the hospital. When we first heard we were selected for a paid week vacation on Martha’s Vineyard, Murph’s immediate thought was why us, as there has to be others more deserving? We had been functioning as a family in survival mode and little could we realize, just how much we needed it.
The week on Martha’s Vineyard sponsored by Vineyard Havens gave the King family some forever memories, fun filled days on the beach, much needed time to just be together, and respite from what all life had become following a cancer diagnosis.
Later that year while relishing the memories from our amazing trip, Murph and I talked about what we could do to give back. The idea for the “The King Golf Challenge” was hatched. I am the proud PGA Head Golf Professional at the Sugarbush Resort Golf Club in Warren, Vermont. Luckily, I can say I love my job, and my job allows me some opportunities that other jobs don’t. Access to an amazing golf course being one. Murph and I decided that I would play 100 holes of golf in 1 day and ask our friends and family to donate to the Vineyard Havens charity. We thought if we could raise enough to pay for at least 1 family to visit Martha's Vineyard that would be an amazing feat. There was no way to predict just how generous, supportive and impactful this challenge would grow to be. We ended up being able to contribute towards vacation experiences for at least 5 more families for the summer of 2025.
The local community, my fellow co-workers, a ton of friends and the media came out to celebrate this effort. It was truly an achievement that took all those people. Between the Vineyard Havens organization and the Cancer Patient Support Foundation (CPSF), two King Family Golf Challenges have raised to date just over $40,000.
The King Family and the Sugarbush community aren't stopping there. In 2025, we plan on continuing to give back. This summer, on July 9, 2025, I will take on “The King Golf Challenge” this round with 3 amazing athlete’s who are being generous with their time to help these amazing causes. The goal will be to play just 36 holes this year as a Pro/Celebrity foursome with: Jim Kaat, an MLB Hall of Fame member; Ronnie Lippett, a retired 7-year NFL Patriots Player, and Max Lane, a 7-Year NFL Patriots Player.
This seemingly small commitment of my time won’t repay the people that helped us along our journey, but we hope to continue to offer support to other families during their own loved one’s cancer diagnosis.
This year we are further adding a local fundraiser 50/50 Raffle at the VT Mountaineers game on July 22 with the fans!