The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation fights day in and out for families of youth diagnosed with the deadliest form of childhood cancer: brain tumors. Champions of that mission, including organizers and participants of Mason’s Twenty-Fore Straight – an annual round-the-clock, 24-hour fundraising tournament that takes place at the PGA TOUR’s championship TPC Sugarloaf golf course in the Atlanta suburb of Duluth, Georgia – are helping drive PBTF’s progress.
TPC Sugarloaf’s general manager Mike Maloney created the tournament with his friend Matt Wilson to honor Matt’s son Mason and others. Mason was just 7 when he was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2013. He lost his courageous battle with brain cancer just days before his 11th birthday. Maloney created the competition in tribute to Mason’s fight, and in solidarity with kids across the U.S. facing a life-threatening disease.
“This 24-hour golf marathon has had participants travel from near and far to help us in this fight,” Maloney said. “While the marathon is tough at times, it is the least we can do to honor these little warriors who deal with so much pain and show so much courage each day in their battle against this terrible disease.”
Now in its sixth year, the annual June event sees 14 teams of two to six golfers rally to keep a ball in play day and night. Participants raised an unparalleled $205,000 in 2021, shattering their previous record of $137,000, and raising nearly $750,000 since the inaugural event. Proceeds benefit PBTF and SIDES, both research-driven organizations focused on supporting families during a child’s cancer diagnosis.
The event deeply aligns with the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation’s robust Care. Cure. Thrive. commitment – helping families of kids with brain cancer navigate the disease’s challenging course, while funding science to treat pediatric brain tumors.
“The partnership with TPC Sugarloaf for the Mason’s Twenty-Fore Straight event goes beyond just raising money,” says Courtney Davies, PBTF President and CEO. “It encompasses the full mission of the PBTF, as they care for children with brain tumors attending the event and provide unique opportunities for survivors on the golf course. Their passion to make an impact in this disease space is inspiring, and the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation is grateful to be a part of this event.”
Chayton W. and Tony V., pediatric brain tumor survivors, at the 2021 Mason’s Twenty-Fore Straight
Maloney and TPC Sugarloaf’s dedicated team bring their community together, forging connections between the players and families. Golfers see first-hand how vital their efforts are to these children, and families enjoy an often much-needed fun-filled day and chance to golf.
To learn more about the annual event, visit Mason’s Twenty-Fore Straight. Explore the PGA TOUR-owned TPC Sugarloaf here. Or visit the TPC Network online to learn more about its collection of over 30 premier golf properties – all sharing a commitment to excellence, community and charitable giving.
About the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation
Every day, 13 children and teens are diagnosed with a brain tumor, the deadliest and most common form of cancer in kids under 15. Every day after, they are in a fight for their life. It’s a fight the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation is here to help families win. A leader in the brain tumor and childhood cancer communities, PBTF’s mission of Care. Cure. Thrive. reflects its commitment to curing all pediatric brain tumors and transforming how children and their families are cared for. Since 1991, PBTF has provided strategic leadership and funding to accelerate the number of targeted therapies for children battling brain tumors today, while equipping families with the patient family education, financial relief, and emotional support they need to navigate their child’s journey. A world without childhood brain tumors is possible when we stand together to effect real, meaningful change. Learn more at www.curethekids.org.
