Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Bethesda, MD - CureSearch for Children's Cancer is proud to once again be the primary beneficiary of The Shark Shootout, hosted by World Golf Hall of Famer Greg Norman. This year's event takes place December 8–12, 2010 at Tiburon Golf Club at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort in Naples, Florida.

As the beneficiary of this event, CureSearch invests the funds received in childhood cancer research through the Children's Oncology Group, the world's largest cooperative pediatric cancer research organization, treating 90% of children with cancer in the United States.

"Major breakthroughs in children's cancer have come from the Children's Oncology Group," said John L. Lehr, President and CEO, CureSearch for Children's Cancer. One recent breakthrough is in neuroblastoma, the most common type of solid tumor found outside the brain in children. Children's Oncology Group researchers demonstrated that a new experimental immunotherapy treatment results in a 20% increase in cure rates, compared to the standard treatment. "Only research cures children's cancer. Greg Norman's generosity and commitment help us get closer to our goal - the day when every child is guaranteed a cure," said Lehr.

During the last 22 years, The Shark Shootout has raised millions for CureSearch and has helped shine a spotlight on the critical need to fund children's cancer research. As part of the event each year, a child touched by cancer, along with his or her family, is honored throughout tournament week and participates in various tournament activities. "The children I have had the privilege to meet since the Shootout's inception have been a source of great inspiration to me," said Norman. "Thanks to the work of CureSearch and the Children's Oncology Group, the cure rate has risen dramatically through the years, but the loss of just one life to this dreaded disease is one too many."

The Shark Shootout has become one of the most prestigious and unique events during the golf season. This one-of-a kind competition features 24 of the world's top professional golfers and highlights excellence and achievement on the golf course while providing golf lovers an intimate view of their favorite players and raising funds for children's cancer research.

CureSearch for Children's Cancer is a non-profit organization that funds and supports the lifesaving, collaborative research of the Children's Oncology Group, the world's largest cooperative pediatric cancer research organization, which treats 90 percent of children with cancer in the U.S. For more information, visit: www.CureSearch.org.

The Shark Shootout

The Shark Shootout, created and hosted by Greg Norman, is an annual PGA TOUR sanctioned event that raises funds and awareness for CureSearch for Children's Cancer. This year marks the 10th year of the tournament's 22-year history the event will be conducted at Tiburón Golf Club, The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples. The field consists of 24 professionals paired into 12 two-man teams. The Shark Shootout, widely regarded as the PGA TOUR's premier post-season event, features a modified alternate-shot format during the first round, a better ball Saturday and a final-round scramble. This year, Golf Channel will televise Friday and NBC will broadcast the weekend competition. The Shark Shootout is conducted and managed by the Greg Norman Production Company. For more information, visit: www.thesharkshootout.com.