What if a round of golf could change the future of cancer treatment? For nearly three decades, Golfers Against Cancer has proven it can. In 1997, a small group of friends began this organization, which has grown into a powerhouse fundraiser that has poured millions into innovative cancer research.

This October, the 29th annual Golfers Against Cancer event will bring golfers, supporters and survivors together at Lake Conroe for a weekend of celebration, competition and life-saving impact.

Event details

The annual Golfers Against Cancer National Event is a two-part experience that allows supporters to get involved and make an impact. The weekend starts with an elegant masquerade gala, followed by an action-packed golf tournament on Monday.

Gala: A Night of Masked Heroes

Time and date: 5 p.m. Oct. 25
  • Location: Margaritaville, 600 Margaritaville Parkway, Montgomery
  • Activities: gala reception, dinner, live auction, silent auction and after-party
  • Ticket prices range from $100 to $200.
Golfers Against Cancer tournament
  • Time and date: 8 a.m. morning shotgun and 1:30 p.m. afternoon shotgun, Oct. 27
  • Location: Walden on Lake Conroe, 13101 Walden Rd., Montgomery
  • Activities: golf tournament, dinner, awards ceremony and silent auction
  • Ticket prices range from $200-800
Funding breakthroughs

At its core, GAC exists to bridge a gap in cancer research. Doctors and scientists often have promising ideas but lack the seed funding—typically $50,000 to $120,000—to start projects.

GAC grants enable researchers to collect data necessary for millions in federal and institutional funding. Over the years, GAC has contributed millions to more than 100 projects nationally, including MD Anderson, Boston Children’s Hospital and Houston Methodist.

“Every dollar we raise goes directly to research that has the potential to save lives,” GAC board member Lauren Mason said. “We’re not funding salaries or overhead—we’re funding hope, innovation and breakthroughs that might never happen without us.”

This year, GAC has donated $400,000 to innovative cancer research projects, from pediatric studies to advanced clinical trials. The donations directly support scientists and doctors developing new treatments and improving patient outcomes.

The stories and faces of courage

While the mission has always been about funding breakthroughs, GAC has added a personal dimension by highlighting local honorees.

This year’s honoree is Abby Thomas, a 14-year-old student at Covenant Christian in Conroe. Once an avid hunter, volleyball player,and cheerleader, Abby’s life changed when she was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor.

Today, Abby continues to inspire, even though she is confined to a wheelchair and struggling with speech. Instead of dwelling on her circumstances, she spends her days bringing joy to others—handing out angel figurines at the hospital to brighten the lives of fellow patients.

“In her darkest days, all Abby wants to do is lift others up,” Mason said.

Earlier this year, GAC donated $75,000 in Abby’s name to Texas Children’s Hospital for pediatric cancer research.

How to Get Involved

There are many opportunities to support the 2025 event and its mission:
  • Become a sponsor
  • Attend the masquerade gala
  • Join the golf tournament
  • Donate raffle or auction items
  • Donate directly through the GAC website
“These projects are handpicked for maximum impact,” Mason said. “When people get involved, they can trust we are seeking the best initiatives—those with the potential to make a wide-reaching, meaningful difference, not just in Conroe, Willis, or Montgomery, not just in Texas, but across the nation and world. Our goal is simple: to help keep families together.”

For more information, visit www.golfersagainstcancer.org or email [email protected].

The above story was produced by Multi Platform Journalist Chloe Chapel with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.