Swing Fore Hope: Driving Change

Brett and Julie Gilliland felt powerless. The Illinois couple felt like everywhere they turned, a loved one was facing cancer. Julie’s mom. Three aunts. Going along to chemo appointments, organizing meals — it didn’t seem like enough. They wanted to be part of the solution. In 2007, they saw their opportunity: They started Swing Fore Hope, an organization that would raise money for cancer research. Their first golf tournament raised $10,000, and they’ve never looked back — raising over $650,000 for patient care and cancer research over the last 16 years.

“We had never done anything like this, but we bet on ourselves, and we bet on our community,” Brett says. “Sixteen years later, every year on the Monday after Father’s Day, old friends and new friends show up.”

“It’s contagious,” says Julie, the development director of Swing Fore Hope. “It feels good to do something for somebody else.” Once Brett and Julie got to know more about the work that Siteman researchers do, they realized that their organization’s annual efforts could fund a researcher, take their research over the finish line, or hold them over until a grant comes in.

No matter the size of the gift, “Every donation means you’re part of the team,” Brett says. And for a couple who started this project because they felt helpless, being able to make a difference means everything.

Give today! Join Brett, Julie, and their family in the fight against cancer today by making your gift to the Siteman Cancer Center. Support of the Annual Fund advances life-changing cancer treatment, care, and research that has an impact on patients locally and globally.

Join the fight against cancer by hosting a Siteman community fundraising event! Each community fundraising event makes an impact in raising awareness and supporting Siteman’s mission to prevent cancer in the community and transform patient care through scientific discovery. From birthday celebrations to chili cook-offs, there are countless ways to draw your community together to help uplift vital programs that benefit Siteman patients and their families.

Learn more about Siteman’s community fundraising opportunities by emailing [email protected] or by calling 314-935-2993.

Please consider making a gift to Siteman Cancer Center today.