There is only one tournament my lovely bride encourages me to partake in, and I have taken full advantage for the past 10 Memorial Day Weekends. My friends and I take an annual road trip to State College to tee it up for the kids. This year’s roster included three good chums and I always invite those who are in good standing with my ten-year-old son.

Sweet-swinging JCVD and I have known each other for a long time. We coached hoops together, and he has witnessed many of my bad shots. I always enjoy his company, and Jensen thinks he is a good egg. I won’t mention anything more, because he played hooky. Bob Spangler JR would rather fish or lift heavy rocks, but he got the call from the dugout. Bobby taught Jensen how to throw a hanging curve, and he is my boss. No brainer. Coach Spangler played some professional baseball back in the day. He is a long ball hitter, but accuracy is a concern. Shaun McQuay was our fourth, and this was his first time with TEAM JENSEN. Shaun is a great player who has all of the shots. He basically grew up at Whitey Deere, and it has been a long time since we played together.

While the others were loading their clubs, I tracked down tournament director Annie Foytack for our yearly embrace. Annie is an amazing person who has actively helped with this massive CMN outing since 2003. We hardly know one another, but we are super tight as our families share a very special bond.

I first met Annie in 2009. Her son Caleb arrived at about the same time as Jensen did. Both were born premature and had extended stays in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. I don’t know about Caleb, but Jensen was there FORE 82 very long days. It was an early struggle for both of these youngsters. Caleb’s younger brother William is also a miracle child.

Our families hit it off right away, and our friendship continues to sprout. The Foytacks live in State College, and young Caleb and William play tons of baseball too. I love seeing them each year and enjoy swapping stories. It’s a bond that you can’t explain with words. We are so proud and blessed with these NICU graduates.

My friends at the RE/MAX Centre Realty have been raising funds for the Children’s Miracle Network with this event since 1997. They started small, but now this golf outing fills both the Penn State Blue and White Courses in State College. I was one of 228 to tee it up on Thursday.

Hundreds have participated in the previous 24 CMN tournaments, and the great folks from RE/MAX have brought in nearly $510,000 FORE a great cause. Annie tells me 2019’s number will be close to $26K. Well done.

ALL of these proceeds go to the Children’s Miracle Network of Geisinger, which ultimately helps the many children at Janet Weis. The funding provides hi-tech additions, money FORE research, amazing family programs, and exceptional services. Recent purchases from tournament dollars include cardiovascular ultrasound equipment, brand new ventilators FORE the neonatal intensive care unit, language interpretation equipment, and much more.

A big shout out to the many corporate partners throughout the lower 48. The Children’s Miracle Network raises more than $250 million combined each year. There are 170 hospitals affiliated with Children’s Miracle Network, and these donations flow directly to its participants. OK. I might be biased, but the Children’s Miracle Network is second to none.

My favorite part of the annual pilgrimage is the special program that follows the golf. I get to touch base with some of Jensen’s amazing doctors and update them on his progress. It also provides an opportunity to chat and mingle with other MIRACLE families. Sometimes Annie even invites me to speak, and it gets ugly.

As far as the actual tournament, I managed to hit a few decent shots, made a long putt and my friends carried TEAM JENSEN to another impressive finish. We didn’t capture the title by a match of cards, but everyone’s a winner on this very special occasion — much love. Cheers.