Despite a day full of rain and lightning, over 200 supporters came to Whitmoor golf course to participate in Friends of Kids with Cancer’s Golf Tournament & Auction to raise funds for programs to help children facing cancer in St. Louis.
To get the morning started, Lukas, a 20-year-old Mizzou student, spoke to the crowd of eager golfers about his optimism in the face of a short life expectancy after the diagnosis of Stage 4 brain cancer. He shared inspiring words about how it felt to pass the date by which doctors predicted he would succumb to his illness. Yet, he was standing that day, grateful for every moment.
“They gave me 12 months. Everything that I wanted to be when I grew up was thrown in the trash. All my dreams of being an aeronautical engineer working on spaceships was out of view. I am happy to say that it has been over a year since I’ve had this cancer, and I am doing unbelievably well,” Lukas said.
“Cancer sucks. We all know that. But I’ve gotten so many opportunities. Having intention in your day has very much helped me through my day. It was beautiful
the amount of love and support Friends of Kids with Cancer has given me. I am very blessed to be loved by this organization.”
After they wiped away a few tears, golfers went out on the course to play three holes before getting called back due to lightning. Friends of Kids’ team of staff, committee members, and volunteers pivoted seamlessly to provide enjoyable beverages, lunch, cigar purchases, and a photo booth to golfers while setting up the evening portion of the day early in the clubhouse.
Guests dried off indoors and engaged in a different kind of dinner program than in recent years. Dr. Robin Hanson, Hematologist and Oncologist for Mercy Cardinals Kids, Adolescent, and Young Adult Cancer Center, kicked off the program to speak about the impact Friends of Kids with Cancer has on the patients he treats every day.
Dr. Hanson, often referred to as Dr. Rob, explained the typical cancer treatment hardships experienced by children battling the disease—painful shots, hair loss, feeling sick, and much more. Then, he said something unexpected.
“I’m going to tell you that the kid that gets the news they’re coming to the cancer center today, more often than not, it’s going to put a smile on their face.
“Because, believe it or not, the majority of my patients can’t wait for the days that they get to come to the cancer center,” Dr. Rob continued.
“There’s only one reason for that, and that’s because of everything that this organization does for them throughout the course of their treatment, from the day they’re diagnosed to the day they finish and ring the bell, and for years afterwards.
“Everything they go through, Friends of Kids with Cancer is walking alongside them, supporting them, making that whole experience not just something that’s tolerable, but for many of them is actually kind of fun.”
After a huge round of applause, guests got an exclusive look at a video showcasing an amazing surprise by St. Louis Blues Center, and Golf Tournament honorary chair, Robert Thomas, who played minigolf with four patients at a beautiful recreational outing.
After some laughter and cheer, three special guests arrived to further inspire the crowd while sharing ways Friends of Kids has impacted them.
“It would be unbearable without Friends of Kids with Cancer. They give us so many opportunities to make us feel so special, even though we’re going through some hard times,” explained Sophie, a 16-year-old in treatment.
Alongside her were Kennedy (7), and Lyncoln (6). “My favorite toy from the clinic is probably all the Barbie stuff that I get. I like Friends of Kids with Cancer because all the people here are really nice,” Kennedy told the audience.
Lyncoln’s birthday was the day of the event and the group of over 200 golfers sang “Happy Birthday” to her. She said she likes the car toys from the Toy Closet and making slime with Morgyn at the hospital. “I love all the kids with cancer,” she said to the crowd.
Kennedy asked who would raise their paddle to donate $10,000. Amazingly, two individuals raised their paddles to donate this significant amount.
Luxurious and exciting items and experiences were put up for bid in the Live Auction. And, as the day progressed, raffles and silent auction items were being sold and bid on.
Over the past 28 years, this event has contributed, with the help of many loyal sponsors and supporters, nearly $5 million to support Friends of Kids with Cancer. And, this year, the event raised a total of $485,796, an incredible amount considering the weather.
The unwavering support from each new and returning sponsor forms the backbone of this annual event, and it is because of this generosity that the tournament can make such a significant financial impact.
Friends of Kids was especially grateful to welcome the largest group of corporate sponsors in the tournament’s history. The commitments of companies and individuals have reached new heights, with many returning sponsors choosing to increase their sponsorship levels for 2026.
This remarkable show of dedication demonstrates not only community support for Friends’ cause but also the desire to maximize the benefit provided to children and families facing cancer.
A huge thank you to sponsors, donors, volunteers, and committees for the ongoing partnership, generosity, and belief in the mission to help kids with cancer be kids.
Titanium Sponsor
Diamond Sponsor
Platinum Sponsors
Thank you for helping kids with cancer...be kids!
