HACKENSACK, N.J., Aug. 25, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As the Official Charity Partner of The Barclays, Tackle Kids Cancer will be prominently involved during this year's tournament. On Saturday and Sunday, August 27 and 28, pediatric cancer patients from HackensackUMC will serve as Honorary Caddies on the 17^th hole during the tournament at the Bethpage Black Course at Bethpage State Park.  

Tackle Kids Cancer is an initiative of the Children's Cancer Institute at Hackensack University Medical Center to raise funds and awareness for pediatric cancer research.  Tackle Kids Cancer and the PGA TOUR signed a five year partnership agreement, which names Tackle Kids Cancer as the Official Charity Partner of The Barclays, beginning with the 2016 tournament.

Patients and their families will be at the 17^th hole green during the following times:
Saturday, August 27
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Sunday, August 28
11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Location:
The Black Course at Bethpage State Park
99 Quaker Meeting House Rd, Farmingdale, NY 11735

Tackle Kids Cancer will have booth spaces at the main entrance and in the spectator village. Event attendees can stop by to make a donation, pick up Tackle Kids Cancer merchandise and learn more about the program. The first 5,000 attendees each day will receive a free Tackle Kids Cancer clear drawstring bag.

Through the partnership, Tackle Kids Cancer is holding a sweepstakes to win a VIP Experience at the 2017 The Players Championship in Jacksonville, Florida. All proceeds raised through the sweepstakes will go to Tackle Kids Cancer. 

"During the last two decades, there have been only three cancer medications specifically developed for children and some pediatric tumors are still resistant to all current known therapies," said Alfred P. Gillio, M.D., co-director, Children's Cancer Institute at HackensackUMC.  "100% of all donations made to Tackle Kids Cancer will benefit the essential clinical care, unique support services and groundbreaking cancer research at the Institute to find a cure for pediatric cancer."

"Pediatric cancer is the #1 cause of death by disease in children in the United States," said Michael B. Harris, M.D., co-director, Children's Cancer Institute at HackensackUMC.  "It's estimated that more than 40,000 children are treated for cancer annually nationwide. Through the Tackle Kids Cancer initiative, we are able to advance research and provide children access to the highest level of care."

At the 2015 event, played at Plainfield Country Club in Edison, N.J., The Barclays raised $1.3 million for New York/New Jersey Metropolitan-area charities. With the addition, the tournament has donated more than $44.8 million to community charities since 1967.

"We are extremely proud to be able to give back to the communities in which we play," said Peter Mele, executive director of The Barclays. "The Barclays is committed to not only putting on a world class event, but also to giving back to the New York / New Jersey Metropolitan area by providing local charities with vital donations."

For more information about Tackle Kids Cancer, please visit: http://www.tacklekidscancer.org/

For more information on the VIP Experience Sweepstakes, please visit:  www.TackleKidsCancer.org/golf.

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SOURCE Hackensack Meridian Health