Luke’s journey is an example of the amazing outcomes that can be achieved when research, clinical expertise, leading-edge treatment and the resiliency of patients and families converge,” said Martha McGill, MBA, MHA, President, Central Florida Region, Nemours Children’s Health. “There is a critical need for significant investment in pediatric cancer care in our state, and we are grateful to Four Seasons Resort Orlando as its support and generosity help advance medical breakthroughs and make it possible for children in our area to receive the world-class care they deserve.
ORLANDO, Fla. (Oct. 23, 2024) – Four Seasons Resort Orlando hosted at Walt Disney World Resort hosted the 2nd annual Four Seasons Orlando Invitational on Oct. 17 and Oct. 18 in collaboration with Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida raising more than a half million dollars to support pediatric cancer research—doubling the amount raised last year. The sold-out two-day charity event featured 20 celebrities, one paired with each foursome, including former NBA players Vince Carter and Jason Williams, former NFL players Merril Hoge, Ron Jaworski and Mark May, comedian Larry the Cable Guy and more.
The pre-tournament reception on Oct. 17 included celebrity appearances, live music performances by Steve Moakler, and a silent and live auction. The auction items included a golf tour package in Scotland that includes accommodation and access to legendary golf courses; a meet and greet with Idina Menzel along with tickets to her original musical “Redwood” and a stay at Four Seasons Hotel New York; an original Disney painting created by Disney Fine Artist Dom Corona; and other items from in-kind donors.
Nemours Children’s patient Luke and his parents Judith and Jeremy Shaver were honored during the reception. Judith shared details of Luke’s cancer journey from unexplained bruises and severe headaches to a diagnosis of Acute Myeloid Leukemia in spring 2023. Luke underwent four rounds of chemo, multiple procedures, a trip to the ICU, and a stay on a ventilator. By Christmas 2023, Luke’s condition improved and in January 2024 — after 150 days at Nemours — he achieved remission and was able to return home.
“Luke’s journey is an example of the amazing outcomes that can be achieved when research, clinical expertise, leading-edge treatment and the resiliency of patients and families converge,” said Martha McGill, MBA, MHA, President, Central Florida Region, Nemours Children’s Health. “There is a critical need for significant investment in pediatric cancer care in our state, and we are grateful to Four Seasons Resort Orlando as its support and generosity help advance medical breakthroughs and make it possible for children in our area to receive the world-class care they deserve.”
The second day of the event included foursomes paired with a celebrity golfer and a friendly tournament on the Resort’s 18-hole Tom Fazio-designed course at Four Seasons Golf and Sports Club Orlando. The event concluded with a check presentation, with the donation benefiting pediatric cancer research currently underway at Nemours Children’s in Central Florida.
“We are honored to benefit Nemours Children’s Health for the second year in a row with this considerable donation, thanks to the generosity of the event attendees and commitment of our team,” said Ali Mohammed, regional vice president and general manager of Four Seasons Resort Orlando. “Over the past ten years, Four Seasons Resort Orlando has proudly supported organizations that are making a difference in pediatric cancer in our community. I extend my gratitude to our dedicated team for making this signature event a success, as well as to Nemours for their wonderful support, and for being a true leader in children's pediatric cancer research and care.”
Photo cutline: Dr. Dorothea Douglas Lindsay, Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist, Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida; Judith and Jeremy Shaver and son Luke; James Henley, Associate Vice President of Philanthropy, Nemours Children’s Health; and the following Four Seasons team members: Rodney Cook, Director of Golf Instruction; Alan Reichbart, Regional Director of Marketing; Ali Mohammed, Regional Vice President and General Manager; Dana Berry, Sr. Director of PR & Communications; Robert Scott, Head Golf Professional and Joe Angelino, Club General Manager.
About Nemours Children’s Health
Nemours Children’s Health is one of the nation’s largest multistate pediatric health systems, which includes two freestanding children's hospitals and a network of more than 70 primary and specialty care practices. Nemours Children's seeks to transform the health of children by adopting a holistic health model that utilizes innovative, safe, and high-quality care, while also addressing children’s needs well beyond medicine. In producing the highly acclaimed, award-winning pediatric medicine podcast Well Beyond Medicine, Nemours underscores that commitment by featuring the people, programs and partnerships addressing whole child health. Nemours Children's also powers the world’s most-visited website for information on the health of children and teens, Nemours KidsHealth.org.
The Nemours Foundation, established through the legacy and philanthropy of Alfred I. duPont, provides pediatric clinical care, research, education, advocacy, and prevention programs to the children, families and communities it serves. For more information, visit Nemours.org.
About Four Seasons Resort Orlando
Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort is named the #1 Best Hotel and Best Resort in Walt Disney World and the #4 Best Resort in USA by U.S. News & World Report. The Resort is celebrating 10 years of making dreams come true with an exciting lineup of activations, including a new speakeasy bar and a retro roller-skating rink coming in December. With a 5-acre water park, six restaurants, golf, spa, fitness, and more, the Resort offers fun for all ages. Over select dates, enjoy the Resort’s Fourth Night Free Offer, or experience a savings of up to 20 percent with the Resort’s Advance Purchase Offer, for guests who book at least 21 days in advance and fully pre-pay their reservation. For more information and offers, visit the website or call 1 800 267 3046.
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