Funding ALS research
(Lou Gehrig's Disease)
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as Lou Gherig's disease, is a progressive neuromuscular disease.
The life expectancy of an ALS patient averages about two to five years from the time of diagnosis, according to the ALS Association. About 20 percent of victims live five years or more and up to 10 percent will survive more than 10 years. In a very small number of those afflicted, ALS stops progressing.
What are Fairway Franks
The idea of Fairway Franks was conceived on the fairway of the 10th hole at Brookmeadow Golf & Country Club, Canton, Ma., in the fall of 2002.
I wondered if anyone had ever thought of obtaining a copyright of the name FAIRWAY FRANKS. One year and five days after applying, the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office awarded the name to us.
The question remained as to what to do with the mark.
The answer came after watching Tom Watson compete in the 2003 U.S. Open, where he was playing on a USGA exemption. He mastered the course with a 5-under-par 65 to share the first round lead.
While Watson was, indeed, electrifying the golfing world with his brilliant play at the ripe, old age of 53, it was the chant "Bruce, Bruce, Bruce" (Watson's long-time caddie) that echoed across the fairways of Olympia Fields Country Club in Chicago that fateful day.
Bruce Edwards, Watson's caddie, friend and confidant of almost 30 years, was on the bag for what could have been the last time. He had been diagnosed with the dreaded neurological affliction, ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), which is commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
Awakening the next morning, I knew exactly where we were going with Fairway Franks.
Further investigation revealed that a PGA Tour player by the name of Jeff Julian, from Vermont, was also in the grips of this insidious disease. I had actually met him once at the Quechee Club in Vermont.
I soon became aware of the web site www.driving4life.org.
The course was chartered for me for the rest of my life - www.fairwayfranks.com would become a fund-raising vehicle in the quest to find the cause, the cure and the end of this crippling and fatal disease.
Eventually, golfers will make the difference.
Paul Seery
Mission:
At The Turn, LLC is dedicated to help find the cause and cure for ALS, Lou Gehrig's Disease, through the Fairway Franks concept and the support of the men and women of golf.
"Ultimately, golfers will make the difference."