Under the bright May sunshine at The Club at Twelve Oaks in Holly Springs, the Duke Sarcoma Center proudly hosted its third annual Strike Out FORE Sarcoma Golf Fundraiser—a day filled with camaraderie, hope, and a shared dedication to advancing sarcoma research. With twenty teams hitting the greens and generous hearts at play, the tournament surpassed its fundraising goal, raising over $32,000 to support critical research at the Duke Cancer Institute.
This special event united passionate players, dedicated supporters, and community members, all coming together to make a lasting impact. Beyond the competition, participants enjoyed the stunning Jack Nicklaus-designed course, a scramble-style tournament, exciting on-course challenges, and a post-game meal set to the soulful jazz of sarcoma survivor Larry Grovenstein.
A highlight of the day was featured speaker Bobby Norris, a patient and proud advocate for the Duke Sarcoma Center. He shared his inspiring journey with humor and heartfelt honesty, from an unsuspected liposarcoma diagnosis to overcoming immense physical challenges. After 18 rounds of radiation and a complex surgery removing over 12 inches of his leg and part of his sciatic nerve, Bobby fought his way back, learning to walk again, pushing through intense rehabilitation, and ultimately emerging cancer-free. His gratitude toward Duke, his family, and his community resonated deeply with all in attendance.
"I'm alive. I have a leg. It works," Bobby said with a laugh. "Now, let’s get out on the course and mess up their grass!"
Looking Ahead—Strike Out FORE Sarcoma 10K/5K Run/Walk
Mark your calendars! The Duke Sarcoma Center invites you to join us on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, NC, for another incredible event—the Strike Out for Sarcoma Run/Walk. With something for the whole family, including a survivor walk, 5K and 10K races, a kids’ dash, awards, and a closing ceremony, this annual gathering continues the mission of raising awareness and funding for sarcoma research. Stay tuned—event details and registration link coming soon!
Thank you to everyone who made this year’s event a resounding success. Your support, generosity, and dedication bring us closer to a future free from sarcoma.
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– Jennifer Curtin, Duke Orthopaedic Surgery and D'Ann George, Duke Cancer Institute