Court the Cure: 16 Years of Breast Cancer Fundraising

Michelle Sklena
October 11, 2012
Chicago, IL

Many years ago, a small group of breast cancer survivors created a “play day” for women platform tennis players on the North Shore and in the city so that they could warm up for the coming season and raise money for breast cancer research. While the format has changed since it was initiated, the intent is still the same—to benefit an important charity.

The present day tournament, called Court the Cure, now in its 16^th year, has grown to include over 275 players and 15 area clubs and park districts, including those in Winnetka and Northfield.  Court the Cure also added a new pro-am venue at the Glen View Club last year, which continued again this year. Nate Parsons, the pro at the Glen View Club, has headed up this component and has rounded up area platform tennis professionals to donate their time by playing and offering lessons to raffle off at the event. Parsons dedicated his 6 courts to allow 14 amateur women to partner with a professional in a round robin format, in exchange for a donation to the cause.

The tournament was played on Thursday, October 4th , on a beautiful, sunny, fall morning. Players arrived at clubs such as Winnetka Park District, the Indian Hill Club, and the Sunset Ridge Country Club to rally against other players from Chicago, the North Shore, and Hinsdale. One hundred percent of the money raised goes directly to the NorthShore University Health System’s breast cancer program.

Court the Cure raises both funds and awareness about a disease that impacts so many families. All of the area clubs participated in the tournament in one form or another, either through hosting the event, having players participate, and/or through their pro’s involvement.

NOTE: This year, the proceeds will support the research of Dr. Katharine Yao, M.D., and Director of the Breast Surgical Program. Katharine Yao’s practice is devoted to diseases of the breast and breast cancer.  The funds from the event will support research looking into imaging biomarkers for breast cancer. In a cooperative study between the departments of Surgery and Radiology, the goal is to determine if MRI imaging biomarkers can determine a patient’s prognosis. This will lead to enhanced treatment decisions for women fighting this disease.  It cannot be stressed enough that Dr. Yao’s dynamic research is being done in the Chicago community for the benefit of all of us, family, friends, and neighbors.