Third-annual event raises funds and support for women’s cancer experts at UNC Lineberger.
Lisa Milligan once dreamed of becoming a professional golfer. While she never reached the highest levels of the sport, her love and passion for golf has never wavered. In fact, it’s now driving her newest passion – supporting uterine cancer awareness, research and education at UNC Lineberger through Golfing For The Gals, a charity golf tournament that will celebrate its third year at the Governor’s Club in Chapel Hill on September 19.
For Milligan, it’s a cause that is deeply personal. After experiencing “dramatic, puzzling and debilitating” symptoms, she was diagnosed with endometrial cancer in 2017 and underwent a complete hysterectomy, pelvic radiation and brachytherapy at UNC Lineberger.
“There are three words to describe my cancer journey — frightening, grateful and empowered,” Milligan said. “Being diagnosed and told I had cancer was a frightening and jaw-dropping moment in my life. I’m grateful that I had expert care at UNC Lineberger, and empowered now that I’m into survivorship.”
Now Milligan is carrying that gratitude forward to shine light on a cause that often goes overlooked.
“While rallying for the event and sharing my story with other women, I was shocked to learn of the large number of women diagnosed with varying stages of endometrial cancer,” Milligan said. “The biggest impact in my life was having cancer, and I wanted to give something back to UNC Lineberger, the physicians and their staff for all their efforts, education and research they provide women with uterine cancer.”
Despite the challenges of hosting a golf tournament during a global health crisis, Milligan is committed to continuing to raise funds and awareness to ensure that other women have access to the same care she has received.
“I am hopeful and determined that the success of this annual fundraiser will take one of the least funded areas of gynecologic cancer research to make it one of the most funded,” Milligan said. “Golfing For The Gals is my way of making that difference happen in North Carolina.”
Anyone interested in supporting Golfing For The Gals and uterine cancer research at UNC Lineberger can visit golfing4gals.org. Opportunities include registering to attend the breakfast event with expert speakers, sponsorships, playing in the tournament and donating directly to Golfing for the Gals.