More than just a tennis tournament
Racquets for Recovery is so much more than a tennis tournament; it’s an event that’s changing the lives of breast cancer patients throughout the Lowcountry.
Founded in 2005 by The Pine Forest Ladies Tennis Association, a committed group of women who love to play tennis and help others in need, this three-day USTA sanctioned Level 2 tournament benefits MUSC Hollings Cancer Center’s comprehensive breast care program.
When the club was formed, its main objective was not simply to organize fun events, but to start a grassroots tournament to support local breast cancer patients. The members were inspired by all their fellow players, friends, and family members who have battled the disease. The lives that are impacted from Racquets for Recovery each year are local and from all walks of life.
"In addition to the great cause for which to participate, the level of care and appreciation by the organizers and hosts is extensive,” says Clay Claiborne, tournament participant. “Having experienced only my second Racquets for Recovery event and witnessing the extreme care demonstrated by those involved this year, I am not surprised at the level of growth in such a short span.”
The tournament has raised more than $340,000 for the Racquets for Recovery Fund at Hollings Cancer Center. The fund supports not only patient support services, which helps with the day-to-day lives of patients, but also helps to buy items such as mastectomy bras and wigs. These items are key in supporting the well-being and positive outlook of breast cancer patients.
One significant and amazing result of this fundraising event was the creation of the Survivors’ Fit Club at Hollings in 2016. The Survivors’ Fit Club is a program of fitness, diet, and emotional support to help survivors of breast cancer get back to a new normal after treatment.
“The biggest part has been the accountability,” says Heather Toeppner, prior Fit Club member. “I don’t get to say at the end of the day, ‘I’m tired' or 'I’m just going to go home.’”
While the Fit Club helps members stay physically active, it also benefits them socially and emotionally.
“We talk about our battle wounds a lot, like when military men get together and talk about war. We went through a very traumatic experience. There are emotional and physical scars left on you. Unless you’re knee deep in it, you don’t have a clue. I don’t talk a lot about it with people because the level of empathy is not going to be anywhere near the level of a survivor. It’s just a lot of ‘aww’ – side head tilt. That’s why support groups are so effective – no one knows better,” says Toeppner.
The support that comes from Racquets for Recovery has been invaluable for Toeppner and so many others. Join us in taking a hard swing at breast cancer by getting involved today and changing the lives of current and future breast cancer patients. The 15th Annual Racquets for Recovery will be held Nov. 1 through 3 at The Club at Pine Forest in Summerville, SC. Visit the event page for more details and to register, sponsor, or donate.
