Saint Cloud Friends and Neighbors Raise $90,000 to Fight Bone
Marrow Cancer in Memory of Dear Friend, J.C. Johnson
International Myeloma Foundation to Honor St. Cloud Event through Research Grant
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ST. CLOUD, MN, March 21, 2006 ­Local Saint Cloud residents are mobilizing friends
and neighbors throughout St. Cloud, the Minneapolis metropolitan area, and beyond to
support the 7th annual "J.C." golf tournament to benefit the International Myeloma
Foundation (IMF). The IMF is the country's oldest and largest organization dedicated to
improving the quality of life of myeloma patients while working toward prevention and a
cure. Multiple myeloma is a complex and often misdiagnosed cancer of the bone
marrow.
The Tournament is named in honor of Janet "J.C." Johnson, who lost her battle with
multiple myeloma in 1999. It was J.C.'s wish that her family and friends continue the
fight against cancer by supporting cancer research whenever possible. Each year her
friends get together to celebrate the life of J.C. and enjoy a wonderful day of camaraderie.
Since its inception, the J.C. Golf Tournament has raised $90,000 for myeloma research.
Friends and supporters who cannot be there in person can still contribute to the event by
visiting http://tinyurl.com/kj6ml.
"We are extremely proud of the people who support this tournament each year through
their participation and contributions," said David Johnson, current chair of the
tournament committee. "The event has become a favorite for so many ­ it is often a sell-
out- and we think it is because people truly enjoy having a great time while making a
difference in the lives of so many."
To mark the outstanding contribution of the J.C. Golf Tournament, Janet Carol "J.C."
Johnson will be named on the 2006 Brian D. Novis Research Grant that the IMF will
award to an outstanding researcher in the field of multiple myeloma later this year. This
honor recognizes the tournament committee's dedication and commitment to funding
research to find a cure for multiple myeloma.
"We are so grateful for the Johnson's fundraising efforts, and the dedication of their
friends and family who support the J.C. Golf Tournament every year," said Susie Novis,
IMF President. "Events such as these raise significant dollars for myeloma research and
patient programs every year. Their determination and hard work inspire us and provide
much-needed support for patients and family members everywhere."
The tournament will begin at 12:30 p.m. on May 20th at the Wapicada Golf Course in
Saint Cloud, MN. The event will feature 18 holes of golf and putting and hole-in-one
contests followed by dinner, a silent auction, and entertainment. Registration begins at
11 a.m. and the shotgun start will take place at 12:30 p.m. The community is invited to
attend this event and/or make a donation by visiting the IMF web site at
http://tinyurl.com/kj6ml. Not only are contributions tax- deductible, but the support goes
to a very worthy event taking place in the community.
Multiple myeloma is a complex and often misdiagnosed bone marrow cancer that attacks
and destroys bone. More than 50,000 people are living with myeloma in the United
States, with more than 15,000 new cases diagnosed each year. While there is no known
cure for myeloma, doctors now have access to new therapies that can improve the quality
of life and help patients live longer.
For more information about the event, please contact David Johnson at (952) 546-6000 or
Bob Zins at (320) 253-4449. For more information about the IMF, please visit us at
www.myeloma.org or call (800) 452-CURE. To show your support and to make a
donation directly for this event, please go to http://tinyurl.com/kj6ml.