Golf for a Cure 2022 Highlights

WISCONSIN – We love it when community supporters come to us with a really good idea. This is a story of one idea coming to life to celebrate a dear friend while helping support the efforts of Mission Myeloma. 

The thought was to take a day that held special memories of an old friend and turn it into a celebration of support for patients currently battling multiple myeloma. That friend was Dr. Mark Chelsky, who passed away in July 2012 at the age of 49, less than five years after being diagnosed with multiple myeloma. He was a dedicated husband, father, friend, and physician. 

Mark was also an avid golfer, and on June 21, 2005, the Summer Solstice and “just because,” Mark and his friend Dr. Phil Yazbak played 72 holes of golf. They would have played more but Mark’s youngest son, Jack, just 7 years old at the time, had a soccer game that evening that Mark would not miss.

Recreating this tradition on the Summer Solstice, sparked Golf for a Cure! On June 21, 2022, Dr. Phil Yazbak and Riley Chelsky (Mark’s son) played as many holes as possible to benefit Mission Myeloma at North Shore Golf Course in Menasha. Two great friends spent the longest day of the year playing as many rounds of golf as they could while raising funds for Mission Myeloma. Every dollar will help multiple myeloma patients right here in Wisconsin. 

Dr. Phil Yazbak said this about the day, “On the longest day of 2022 Riley Chelsky and I golfed 73 holes in just under 12 hours. The peak temp was 95 degrees, 17 golf balls escaped captivity, and no clubs were abused. We played the extra hole after 4 full rounds to slightly outdo our last effort on June 21, 2018. Thanks to all the very generous donors, we raised $7,900 (and counting) for Mission Myeloma. Thank you all for your amazing support for an amazing cause.

Mark Chelsky passed away a decade ago but by he remains close to many hearts… please keep him and others battling myeloma and other life-threatening illnesses in your thoughts and prayers. Thanks again for your generosity!” 

If you’d like to learn more about Mission Myeloma and the work we do, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram. We also have two exciting events coming up this fall. Registration is currently open for Miles for Myeloma 2022 and Clink for a Cure, both to be held on Saturday, October 1 so be sure to sign up today.