Supporters and players join in playing golf in support of Graham McCalman’s “Golf-A-Thon for Myeloma.” Graham and his dad, Mark, welcomed guests to the event held at the Johnson City Country Club July 1 and shared information about the disease.
Graham McCalman isn’t your typical teenager. While most enjoy their free time over the summer, this 13-year-old took on the task of hosting a “Golf-a-Thon for Myeloma” over four days in four different states to honor his grandfather, Pete.
Graham McCalman supporting his late grandfather, Pete McCalman.
Graham’s goal is to raise awareness about myeloma and to raise funds for a cure.
His grandfather, Pete McCalman was diagnosed with multiple myeloma (cancer of the blood) in 2011 and died five years later.
Pete and Graham shared a love of golf, and in 2015, they fulfilled a shared dream by attending the British Open Championship together in St. Andrews, Scotland.
The “Golf-a-Thon” kickoff was held at the Johnson City Country Club July 1st with Graham and his Liberty Bell golf teammates teeing it up for a round of fundraising golf along with a number of supporting players.
Members of the Northeast Tennessee Multiple Myeloma Support Group (based in Johnson City, and only one of four in TN) were on hand for the event. Pete Graham was a member of the support group. Another goal of the Golf-a-Thon was to encourage patients and caregivers to come together on their cancer journey.
State Senator Rusty Crowe read a Tennessee proclamation in support of the program and Congressman Phil Roe’s local representative, Bill Darden read a personal letter from Congressman Roe in support of the group and Graham’s efforts.
On July 2, Graham also hosted his Golf-a-Thon at the Providence Country Club in Charlotte, NC and at the Furman Golf Club in Greeneville, SC on July 3.
