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More than 30 celebrities, including Joe Pesci and Dennis Haysbert, donated their time and money to raise melanoma awareness for the Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) on April 21 by participating in the 5th Annual Hack n’ Smack Celebrity Golf Classic at the prestigious El Caballero Country Club in Tarzana, Ca. The MRF will use the funds to help further its mission – finding effective treatments and eventually a cure for melanoma.
“This annual tournament brings great visibility to melanoma and the MRF’s mission,” said Linda Pilkington, Executive Director, Melanoma Research Foundation. “We are grateful to the participants and organizers who take time out of their busy schedules each year to raise much-needed money to fund melanoma research.”
Celebrities participating in this year’s tournament included Joe Pesci (Goodfellas), Dennis Haysbert (The Unit), Anthony Anderson (K-Ville), Christopher Gorham (Ugly Betty), Harold Greene (CBS-LA), Lorenzo Neal (NFL-Chargers Pro Bowler), Patrick Warburton (Rules of Engagement), Joe Mantegna (Criminal Minds), Bruce Buffer (Voice of the UFC Octagon), Lincoln Kennedy (NFL-Raiders), Glynn Turman (The Wire), Brian Dunkleman (Celebrity Fit Club), Gregory Itzin (24), Shawn Ryan (Exec Prod, The Unit/The Shield), Kenny Johnson (The Shield), Jeremy Ratchford (Cold Case), Jeffrey Nordling (Dirt), Chris Chandler (St. Louis Rams), Richard Schiff (West Wing), Bill Smitrovich (The Practice), Brian Krause (Charmed), David Naughton (Makin' It), Robert Hays (Airplane), James Hyde (Passions), Kevin Weisman (Alias), Robert Torti (Suite Life of Zack n' Cody), Dan Moriarty (Host -- Fox Sports GameTime), Regan Burns (Halfway Home), Alex Hyde-White (Pretty Woman), Jaime Gomez (Nash Bridges), Denny Hocking (MLB-Twins), Pam Teeguarden (US Open Mixed Doubles Champion), Paul Logan (Days of Our Lives) and Michael Chicklas (The Unit).
“Melanoma is historically one of the most underfunded cancers and yet more and more people are diagnosed with the disease each year," said Gorham. “I'm glad I can help bring awareness to this terrible disease. Hopefully, the money we raise each year for the Melanoma Research Foundation will one day lead to a cure.”
Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, is one of the fastest growing cancers in the U.S., and can strike people of all ages, all races and both sexes. One in 50 people have a lifetime risk of developing melanoma. In fact, in 2008, more than 62,000 Americans are expected to be diagnosed with invasive melanoma, resulting in an estimated 8,400 deaths. Until there is a cure for melanoma, research is crucial to ensure patients of tomorrow have the help and hope they deserve.
“The Hack ‘n Smack tournament helps raise awareness and dollars to fight melanoma,” said Schiff. “I am proud to be affiliated with this event.”
Note to Editors: Photos of the celebrities golfing are available upon request.
About the Melanoma Research Foundation
The Melanoma Research Foundation is the largest private, national organization devoted to melanoma in the United States. The Foundation is committed to the support of medical research in finding effective treatments and eventually a cure for melanoma. The Foundation also educates patients and physicians about prevention, diagnosis and treatment of melanoma, while acting as an advocate for the melanoma community to raise awareness of this disease and the need for a cure. The MRF Website is the premiere source for melanoma information seekers.
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