The inaugural “Fairways For Fresh Air” golf outing is set to tee off April 21, 2025, at The Heights Golf Club in Rancho Bernardo, with proceeds benefiting the American Lung Association in California.
Organized by the Emerging Leaders of the American Lung Association, the golf tournament is the brainchild of a network of young professionals united by a shared mission: to raise lifesaving awareness and funds to create a world free of lung disease.
“This select group of next generation business and community leaders are inspiring,” said Rita Redaelli, executive director of the American Lung Association in California. “They show up with enthusiasm, they are intentional and generous. They want to make an impact, and they are, by increasing our capacity to provide lung health support and resources to more patients, caregivers and at-risk families in our region.”
Foursome sign-ups close on Tuesday, April 15, and supporters can also contribute directly through the event’s website. All proceeds will go toward free lung health education, community programs and critical research to fight diseases like lung cancer — the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S., according to the ALA.
Supported by the local leadership board of the ALA, chaired by Scott Evans, SVP Chief Strategy Officer and Market CEO for Sharp HealthCare, the Emerging Leaders serve as ambassadors for the organization at the community level.
“We come from all different industries across San Diego County. But we all have the passion to make a difference in the community where we live and work,” said Sergio Martinez, chair of Emerging Leaders and community relations manager for Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center. “Some of us have seen lung cancer happen in our own families, and we want to spread awareness about preventing it and early screening so fewer families have to go through the experience of dealing with lung cancer.”
Whether joining a foursome or making a donation, participation in the golf tournament helps advance lung health progress, including a 26% increase in lung cancer survival rates over the past five years, according to a recent ALA report.
To register a team or make a donation, visit the official “Fairways For Fresh Air” website.
