Times Union Record - August 2005
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Mother Turns Grief Into Triumph
By: Kelly Vadney, The Record
08/07/2005
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.