Welcome to the Connecting for the Cure Foundation

"When tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not there to see?..I wish so much you wouldn't cry, the way you did today." This is just a few short words of a poem that was read at my nephew; David Goldstein's unveiling a few months ago. On October 1, 2005 my nephew passed away after a fourteen year long battle from a reoccurring Brain Tumor.

David was diagnosed with a Brain Tumor when he was seven years old. Devastating news to our family but we knew he would make it- he just had to! After numerous brain surgeries, more radiation then one human being can have in a lifetime, blood stem cell treatments and chemotherapy treatments seeming to never end; David survived this devastating illness for many years. Although he survived, David never heard the words; "you are in remission" At 21 years of age our hero, our nephew, David lost his battle after valiantly fighting so hard with his parents and his large extended family by his side.

Brooke & Mark Goldstein; David's parents have searched within themselves to make sense of this tragedy, "From our own experiences, we have learned to make the loss of our son a part of our lives, and to try to forge a new meaning out of it. In the first year after David passed away, we would often ask ourselves, "What is the meaning to the loss? We would try to make sense of this tragedy. We had to find a reason, a meaning to it, or else we felt his passing would have been in vain." This is when "The Connecting for
a Cure" Foundation was formed, a 501 © 3 non-profit organization, where the monies donated go towards finding a cure for Pediatric Cancer.

"Connecting for the Cure Foundation is partnering with The Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, where the funds from this event will go directly to the hospital so that every child diagnosed with cancer can have a chance to beat the odds," said Brooke & Mark.

For 15 years, Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, has been a pillar of strength for their patients and a strong and enduring beacon of excellence in healthcare. Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital has a distinguished reputation for cutting-edge medicine and technology. To ensure that they continue to meet the increasing healthcare needs of children, they will be building a new Children's Hospital featuring pediatric operating rooms, a Medical/Surgical Unit and an Oncology Unit. "Children are our most precious
resource, The new Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital will feature leading edge technology and the expertise of a highly trained medical staff all in a setting designed specifically for young patients," said Frank Sacco, President and Chief Executinve Officer of Memorial Healthcare Systems.

The Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital Foundation was established in 1994 and ensures the ongoing availability of the highest quality of healthcare services to everyone who needs them. Kevin Janser, the Director of the Foundation says; "The children of our community deserve world-class healthcare right here in our backyard. Thanks to the remarkable generosity of our donors, we can continue to provide world-class healthcare to patients and their families regardless of their ability to pay. We urge others to join in this most worth endeavor to build the new JDCH."

"No family or child should have to experience the emotional and physical pain one feels when you hear your child has cancer. I hope our foundation can make a difference in many lives in the years to come." said Mark Goldstein, David's Father.

"Losing a child never makes sense to anyone. It just doesn't fit in to the circle of life. But David's courage, his inspiration, his smile and his sense of humor will keep his memory and spirit alive in our hearts forever. This helps us, as a family make sense of our loss. We wanted his life to mean something." said his mother Brooke.

The South Florida Golf Foundation has stepped up as the Title sponsor this year. Ramon Mas Canosa, President of the Board of Directors explains; "The South Florida Golf Foundation is very excited to become a partner with the Connecting For A Cure Foundation and the Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital.
Over the last 46 years the South Florida Golf Foundation has raised over $12 million dollars for local South Florida charities and we are pleased and proud to be associated with the fine individuals at Connecting For A Cure and the Joe DiMaggio's Children's Hospital. Working together we will
continue this great legacy of making a difference in the lives of children in South Florida."

On Thursday, November 1st the second annual Connecting for the Cure Foundation Golf Tournament will take place at The Parkland Golf and Country Club. Registration will begin at 10:00am with a lunch and auction preview offered from 11:00 to 12:30. There will also be a Pinnacle long drive exhibition at 12:00, with a shotgun start at 12:45. At 6:00 PM following the golf tournament, all players and guests are invited to attend the dinner and auction. With both live and silent auction items. Some of the auction items will include : 2008 Super Bowl tickets in Glendale , Arizona. 2008 World Series tickets, 2008 MLB All Star Game tickets in the final season of Yankee Stadium, 2008 Kentucky Derby tickets, custom-fit Titleist
Golf Clubs and much, much more.

Trina Robinson, anchor, reporter and meteorologist for NBC 6 will emcee and host the event. "I am proud to be a part of the Connecting for the Cure Foundation. Pediatric Cancer is a devastating disease and I am happy to do anything I can to create awareness. Also, the Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital ha s already made a huge impact in our community, saving lives everyday. The new hospital can only benefit our county ten fold. NBC 6 has a strong commitment to the community and that's why they are delighted that
I hold this event so near and dear to my heart."

"My parents have always taught David and I that giving, caring and treating people the way you would like to be treated is the most important component of life. For me, life isn't about yourself, but who you touched in a positive way and to know that you might have made a difference in someone else's life" said Gregg, David's older brother.

David's life here on earth inspired Jim and I and anyone who crossed his path, with many lessons about how to live, serve others and on how to love. The first two lessons were to never give up and to never complain. Most significantly, David taught us to care about others and to make each day count. More often than not, he was more concerned about everyone else than he was about himself. Not once did you ever hear him question, "why me"? David taught us how to live life to its fullest, no matter what you have to
endure and to make this world a little better by serving humankind with all your blessings and capabilities. He lived every moment with a smile and a sense of humor. His strength and courage was extraordinary and inspirational.

The poem read at David's unveiling ends with, "So when tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart, for every time you think of me, I'm right here in your heart." David, we miss you more today then we did yesterday. We Love you.

Please join Jim and me with our family to honor David's life and to help find a cure for Pediatric Cancer. For more information on sponsorship or player opportunities please call Brooke Goldstein at 954-341-4606 or email me at Candy@lifestylemagazinegroup.com.