LIFE Event, LPGA Pros Celebrate 10 Years in the Fight to Eradicate Breast Cancer

Twenty-eight LPGA Pros to join host Val Skinner May 18 to raise funds for breast cancer research and awareness programs

Release provided courtesy of the Val Skinner Foundation.

PARAMUS – May 12, 2009 – Twenty-eight of the most elite women golfers in the world from the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour will join LPGA veteran and event founder Val Skinner to celebrate the 10th anniversary LIFE (LPGA Pros in the Fight to Eradicate Breast Cancer) Event. The 2009 LIFE Event will celebrate its 10th anniversary on May 18 at the Ridgewood Country Club in Paramus, N.J., home of the PGA Tour’s 2008 Barclays Tournament.

The LIFE Event, the biggest single-day golf event fundraiser for breast cancer initiatives, benefits Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, the LPGA's official national charity and largest private backer of breast cancer research and education, and the Cancer Institute of New Jersey (CINJ), a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center. With Skinner, these organizations established the Young Women's Initiative to target young women with the breast cancer message. LIFE funds have been used to establish programs such as BioCONECT, the Komen On the Go™ Tour and other cancer education, research and prevention programs. LIFE has raised more than $5.1 million for the breast cancer fight since its inception in 2000.

“I am extremely proud of all the accomplishments LIFE has been a part of in the last decade,” said Skinner. “Looking back at the list of LIFE highlights serves as motivation to continue our diligent fight against breast cancer. Every step moves us forward and makes a difference.”

Twenty-eight LPGA pros, including LPGA Tour and World Golf Halls of Fame members Beth Daniel and Karrie Webb and top ranked players Angela Stanford, Morgan Pressel, Brittany Lincicome, Helen Alfredsson, Laura Davies, Christiana Kim and Laura Diaz will participate in the 10th annual LIFE Event.

Over the past decade, the LIFE Event pro-am has drawn participation from more than 65 pros representing 14 countries. The 2009 event unites 28 LPGA pros, representing countries including the United States, Sweden, England, Finland, Australia and Scotland in celebration of the event's 10th anniversary. This year’s field represents a pro list typically seen only at major LPGA tournaments. Many of the LPGA stars who support the Val Skinner Foundation have also watched friends and family lose their battle with breast cancer and participate in LIFE to create a brighter future for all young women.

"The scope of breast cancer is global," said Skinner. "I started the LIFE Event a decade ago to give women golfers from all countries an opportunity to join together in the fight for a cure. The disease has touched all of our lives."

The LIFE Event will be followed by a reception that will highlight the innovative programs LIFE Funds support. The reception will also feature the announcement of the 2009 LIFE heroes, individuals who have shown courage throughout their personal experiences and battles with breast cancer and/or purpose in the fight against the disease. Twenty-five year old breast cancer survivor and awareness advocate Bridget Mooney of Boston, M.A. and Susan G. Komen for the Cure® celebrity ambassador Gabrielle Union will be honored as LIFE Heroes at the 10th anniversary event.

Skinner, a six-time winner on the LPGA Tour, lost her close friend and fellow LPGA player, Heather Farr, to breast cancer at the young age of 28. As a result, Skinner has been passionately dedicated to raising funds for programs that educate young women on the risks of breast cancer and funding awareness and research programs to help fight the disease in memory of her friend.

About the Val Skinner Foundation
The Val Skinner Foundation was established by LPGA veteran and six-time winner, Val Skinner, in honor of her friend and fellow professional golfer, Heather Farr. Heather was first misdiagnosed and then diagnosed with breast cancer at age 24 and lost her battle with the disease at 28. .

About the LIFE Event
The LIFE Event (LPGA Pros in the Fight to Eradicate Breast Cancer) mission is to help eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease, while reaching out to a younger generation of women and providing them with information about the importance of early detection and healthy breast care practices. The first LIFE Event was held in 2000. This year is the event’s 10th anniversary.