TROY - Andrew Bryce was diagnosed with pediatric brain cancer at the age of 7 and died at the age of 11. His wish was to "Let Hope Live."
Kyle Bryce told her son he deserved a medal for all of the surgeries and treatments he endured. When he passed away she made a point to make sure seriously ill children would receive a medal. In 1999, she founded the Andrew Christian Bryce Foundation, aka "Andrew's Warriors."
The organization will be hosting its fifth annual Golf Classic on Aug. 15. After each tournament, a child is awarded a medal for their bravery in the face of a serious illness."They don't have to have brain cancer," Bryce said. This year a 6-year-old from Niskayuna will be presented with a medal at the tournament's evening award ceremony. "This girl is waiting for a heart transplant," she said.
The tournament is in scramble format and begins at noon with a barbecue lunch. The shotgun start will be at 1p.m. Individual tickets are $175, a foursome is $500. Tickets include 18 holes of golf, greens fees, cart, lunch, and a light dinner and beverages at the 6 p.m. medal presentation.
Prizes given away to golfers include a flight for two anywhere in the USA and gym and golf club memberships.
The last four golf tournaments raised over $80,000. The organization is looking for corporate sponsors. Eagle sponsorship is $5000, platinum $2500 gold $1500 and silver $1000.
Bryce said she receives the most happiness in her life today from helping families battling serious diseases. "I felt there was no reason to live," said Bryce of her emotional state immediately after Andrew's death. The single mother decided to "let hope live," as her son would have wanted.
Each year "Andrew's Warriors," reach over 1200 through hospital visits locally and in New York City. Bryce expects the proceeds from this year's tournament will bring the organizations total contribution up to at least $100,000.