The Story Behind the Story!
Sheldon Gerard Pierre, lovingly known as "Gee", was born August 18, 1974. Sheldon passed away from his long battle with Multiple Myeloma on January 19th, 2015, at the age of 40.
Originally from the island of Trinidad, Sheldon has always had a global spirit, leading him to live, work and further his education in New Brunswick, Canada, London, UK and Miami, USA. At just 37, Sheldon was diagnosed with an aggressive form of Multiple Myeloma, an incurable but treatable cancer of the bone marrow. After three years of many painful and emotionally draining transplants and treatments, Gee left all his earthly pain and suffering behind and is now resting in power!!!
Being the loving, caring, strong person he was, we felt it best to do what we think he would have wanted; We want to help people who are currently going through the suffering he had to endure. Sheldon's light and spirit will never fade. He has served as an inspiration to so many of us through his battle with cancer. His strength and endurance was amazing and he will continue on his legacy with the big man upstairs.
We have partnered with The Miami Foundation and will be donating our proceeds to the St. Jude Children's Hospital and the International Myeloma Foundation.
Please help us to help those fighting against cancer and finding a cure!!!
The Story Behind the Tournament
Our tournament began in 2012 with a husband/wife (Jon and Sarah) and friend (Maurice) committee getting together to raise funds for Sheldon's treatment.
After Sheldon's passing in 2015, the tournament committee has decided to continue the tournament to honor his memory and donate all proceeds to St. Jude's with a portion to the International Myeloma Foundation.
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Help us take a swing at cancer!
THE HARD TRUTH
In the US there are approximately 100,000 patients and nearly 20,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Despite this fact, there is a lack of public awareness about this disease.
Multiple myeloma represents 1% of all cancers and accounts for 2% of cancer deaths.
According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 26,850 Americans will be diagnosed with myeloma in 2015, and an estimated 11,240 people will die from the disease.
​Multiple Myeloma (MM) is a cancer of the bone marrow that accounts for 1% of all cancers. In the US nearly 20,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Despite this fact, there is a lack of public awareness about this disease.
The bone marrow is responsible for producing the body’s red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. In MM patients, excessive amounts of abnormal cells are produced, inhibiting the production of these healthy cells that carry oxygen and prevent disease among their functions.
Multiple Myeloma isn’t curable at this point but it is treatable. Patients usually undergo treatment through a combination of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, stem cell transplant and maintenance drugs.
Currently, there are no known causes of the disease and it is not considered hereditary. Although new medication and treatments are being discovered every year, they are expensive and a lot more can be done in the quest for a cure and prolonged survival of patient.