They’re well on their way to their next million dollars.
Members of the Country Meadows Senior Men’s Golf Club hosted close to 150 golfers last Friday, raising $101,000, thus bringing their running total for prostate cancer research to $1,139,000.
The money has gone exclusively to important drug research for the disease being conducted by Dr.Marianne Sadar, program leader for prostate cancer research at the BC Cancer Agency.
Last year, thanks to the golfers, Sadar launched a new drug whose compounds originated from a marine sponge. It took roughly 15 years to develop and the hope is to cure late-stage cancer.
The club’s fundraising manager, Lorne Carney, said every penny goes to Sadar’s research, with no administrative fees.
“That’s our claim to fame,” said Carney.
About half of the donations come from Richmond residents.
“Richmond people should be proud to know their money made this drug. If successful, it’s the people of Richmond who can take credit for it,” said Carney.
Sadar dusted off her clubs and joined the men and women who support her each year, for the past 17 years.
“I’m so grateful for their support,” she said.
The drug began a five-year clinical trial last December.
“I was very worried because it was something I cooked up in my lab. For a human being to take it, that’s very scary.”
Presently, Sadar is researching interactions with the drug, while trial doctors determine the right dose.
Testing is being conducted in B.C. and four locations in the United States.
For donation opportunities and club information, go online to CountryMeadowsSeniorMensGolf.com.
