VALIRCO, Fla. — What looked like a typical round of golf was so much more. It was something bigger. It’s how you fight like June.

What You Need To Know

  •  The June Rogers Foundation helps raise money and awareness for colon cancer research.

  •  The charity was formed by June's friends after she lost her battle with colon cancer at the age of 57.

  •  This year's annual event expanded to two days and added golf and a concert to the lineup.

That’s the mantra June Rogers family and friends live by. And it’s how they honor a woman who may have lost her battle with colon cancer, but one who continues to make a difference.

“June’s story has captured the hearts of the entire community,” said Dr. Sarah Hoffe, Section Head of GI Radiation Oncology at Moffitt Cancer Center.

After June passed away at the age of 57, her friends organized a tennis tournament to raise funds and colon cancer awareness. June loved to play tennis. And she remained on the court during her treatment. June played in 150 matches in the final year of her life.

Three years later, the event that honors her has blown up into a two-day golf and tennis tournament. And a concert featuring The Remissions, a band made up of doctors, named after something every cancer patient hopes for.

But as much fun as everyone was having, the main message was delivered loud and clear. 

“You can be screened. It can be detected early,” Dr, Hoffe said. “If we find it we can treat it. And the power of June’s legacy to get that message out, I just applaud the foundation.”

That’s why in addition to the normal sights and sounds of golf, and music and dancing, there was important information readily available in the form of a giant inflatable colon. It takes you on a tour and educates. The colon cancer numbers are increasing in younger patients, which is why screenings and early detection is everything. And why using something like sports and music to help spread the message is key.

“That’s how we can combat cancer,” said Dr. Dana Ataya, Remissions lead singer and Radiologist at Moffitt Cancer Center. “That’s how we can come together as a community and really make a difference and move the needle.”

That’s the core mission of the June Rogers Foundation - awareness. By sharing her story and with her annual fundraiser, June’s legacy lives on. And the cancer community is the main benefactor.

“This is how it starts. It’s a ripple,” Dr. Hoffe said. “And let’s keep making those ripples. Because we need to save lives.”