Our Mission for 2012

Athletes vs. Cancer is an industry-wide fundraising program that unites sports, sports fans and the community in the fight against cancer. AVC wants to save lives and assist in ending cancer forever. Through our annual golf tournament and many other fundraisers throughout the year, the foundation will raise money to help secure cancer screening vans to visit low-income neighborhoods and give free support research, create awareness, provide screening opportunities and deliver subsequent support to cancer patients.

AVC SUPPORTER OF THE MONTH

Jake Olson was a special guest at Matt Barnes’ 3rd Annual Athletes Vs Cancer Celebrity Golf Tournament where he played Trump National with some of his favorite Lakers players.

Jake Olson is 14 years old, a resident of Huntington Beach, California and an 8th grade student. When Jake was 8 months old, he was diagnosed with a rare form of eye cancer, retinoblastoma. The disease claimed his left eye before the tender age of one and in November 2009 Jake lost his right eye after battling the cancer for 12 years. Jake confronted many challenges during his battle and has used his experience to better himself as a person and develop a strong faith in God.

Jake attends Huntington Christian School and has remained a straight A student even during his transition to blindness. Jake plays on the school football team and also enjoys golf, skiing, surfing and playing the guitar. Jake has set a personal goal to become the first blind golfer to join the PGA golf tour. Jake’s love for and dedication to the game of golf caught the attention of Travis Mathew golf clothing company. Jake and Travis Mathew have teamed up to develop a first of its kind “Braille” golf shirt, with messages scripted in Braille on shirts that offer golfers a smart, progressive look with a sizeable portion of the proceeds from every shirt sold going to Jake’s favorite charities. Jake has been added to the TravisMathew.com player team, joining PGA touring pro's John Mallinger, Bubba Watson, Tommy Armour, and others.

Jake loves to help and serve others. Jake is not afraid to challenge himself or challenge others and has personally raised his expectations for his own life. Jake's faith and attitude have been an inspiration to others and his belief in making the most out of life continues to motivate those around him.