Sunday, April 02, 2017
Madisen's Match-2017
When Madisen
Abramson was three years old, she underwent a CAT Scan as part of a
sleep study. Since birth, she had struggled with respiratory
difficulties. Further tests revealed that she had a brain tumour,
subsequently treated with Chemotherapy.
Fortunately,
she now lives the life of a typical 12 year old, with the exception
that she undergoes an MRI every three months. She has become an
ambassador for Brain Tumour Survivors. In
nine years, more than $ 500 000 has been raised to benefit cancer
treatment centre charities throughout the nation. The fundraising
takes place in and around nine tennis courts at The Landings, in
South West Florida.
Friends
and family came up with the concept of a tennis-based activity to
help raise funds. This year's edition is the ninth, and included
receptions, silent auctions, galas and live auctions. On the tennis
side, there is a camp, pro-am events, and professional tennis
exhibitions.
Kathy Rinaldi and Shawn Gullickson
Several
tennis legends add their names, and their sweat to the event. Kathy
Rinaldi was once ranked # 7 in the world. She had victories over
Steffi Graf, Pan Shriver, and Jana Novotna. She currently serves as
the Fed Cup Team Captain for the United States. I watched her doubles
match with her partner Shawn, Tom Gullikson's wife. They were matched
against the club professional at The Landings, Sam DiSimone, and his
partner.There were not playing polite, Sunday afternoon tennis.
Wicked serves, plenty of slice, topspin lobs that required serious
hustle, nasty dropshots. All part of the game.
I
spoke with Sam after the match. “We are really pleased to be able
to host the event here at The Landings. It is lots of fun, with
friendly competition.” The competition is friendly, but played at a
very high level.
MardyFish
Mardy
Fish played several doubles matches throughout the day, then lined up
against Robby Ginepri in the final singles match. During his pro
career, Mardy won six ATP titles. He was once ranked # 7 in the
world, and was the # 1 American in 2011. When the ball leaves his
racket, it makes a sound that I have never duplicated.
Other
tennis legends at the fund-raiser included: Tom Gullikson, who won
many titles with his brother Tim. He has served as US Davis Cup Team
Captain, US Men's Olympic Team Coach, and is a former US Mixed
Doubles Chapion; Luke Jensen, who has won 10 Doubles Titles on the
ATP tour, including the French Open with his brother Murphy; Mikael
Pernfors, formerly a top ten singles player who had victories over
Pete Sampras, Jim Courier, and Mats Wilander; and Chani Anderson, who
was a Doubles semi-finalist at Wimbledon.
Auction
items caught me eye, but I managed to keep my hands at my sides: a
Rolex watch, tickets to the US Tennis Open in New York City, with a 2
night hotel stay, Springsteen tickets, and hospitality access, of
course, Lady Gaga tickets, with a week in a Jaguar, and a football
signed by Patriots coach, Bill Belichick. Fully inflated.
Duane
Chaney started the event on behalf of his niece, and is to be
commended for his efforts. A great day at the courts!
James
Hurst
April
2, 2017
# posted by James Hurst @ 4:25 PM 
