LPGA Professionals Kristen Gillman and Kaitlyn Papp visit AtlantiCare Cancer Institute

By Carson Racich

 

GALLOWAY, N.J. – The recent visit of LPGA professionals to the AtlantiCare Cancer Institute before the commencement of the 2024 ShopRite LPGA Classic highlighted the profound impact that sports figures can have beyond their respective fields. This visit exemplifies the meaningful connections that can be forged between professional sports and community—especially for health initiatives.

 

Two LPGA players, Kristen Gillman and Kaitlyn Papp, had the opportunity to visit the newest location of the Cancer Institute and engage with patients while exploring the facility. They toured the radiation and chemotherapy rooms, gaining insight into the complex treatments that cancer patients undergo.

 

“I think this place is awesome…incredible, the treatment areas are very welcoming for patients and that's really important,” added Gillman.

 

With new and developing technology, treatments for cancer are expanding and for Gillman and Papp they were shown how radiation treatments machines work and how quickly. 

 

“I learned that the patients are able to come in and out of treatment pretty fast, about 5 minutes, before getting to go about their day - it's crazy,” said Papp.

 

This visit not only provided a moral boost to the patients but also offered the athletes a deeper understanding of the struggles and resilience of those battling cancer.

 

“We got to visit the chemo infusion rooms and chat with a few patients and their families today who were receiving treatment” said Papp “ It was special to spend time with them as well as the nurses who help take care of them.”

 

In addition to touring the facility, Gillman and Papp had the chance to talk to a handful of survivors, hear their story and learn about how they are giving back. While it may not be large, no gesture is too small. Handing out homemade cards, two survivors were ecstatic to show off their efforts to brighten someone else's day who may need it most.

 

“The ladies that were sharing their homemade cards with us were so sweet. She was so passionate about them and expressed to us how this is her small way of giving back to the patients,” said Gillman.

 

For Papp, this visit was particularly personal due to a family history of cancer diagnosis.

 

“There’s a few family members of mine who were diagnosed with various different cancers, but fortunately were able to beat it,” Papp shared.

 

This connection deepened her appreciation for the work done at the cancer center and the importance of supporting such initiatives.

 

“I’m very happy the LPGA was able to bring us here to experience the full circle, behind the scenes research and care patients go through while dealing with this diagnosis,” Papp added.

 

The partnership between the tournament and the hospital is a testament to the power of collaboration in promoting health and wellness. The LPGA’s involvement has been instrumental in shedding light on the vital services provided by the AtlantiCare Cancer Center.

 

“I think it's awesome that we can support this facility. I feel there’s always something that we can do as players to help” emphasized Gillman “I am grateful the LPGA being here can help such a great cause. I'm excited to see what this year can bring for them.”

 

Through their visits and public support, the LPGA helps raise awareness and funds, contributing to the hospital’s mission of offering comprehensive care to cancer patients.

 

“This feels great, golf is a game at the end of the day and I think if we can use golf to reach the community beyond just playing it’s special,” Papp reflected. “I hope our visit today and the contributions the LPGA makes can help the patients feel inspired and can continue to be provided with the best care.”

 

Such interactions between sports professionals and healthcare facilities serve multiple purposes. For the patients, meeting renowned athletes can be an uplifting experience, offering a temporary distraction from their daily challenges. For the athletes, it is an eye-opening experience that broadens their perspective and underscores the importance of giving back to the community.

 

In conclusion, the visit of LPGA professionals to the AtlantiCare Cancer Institute underscores the symbiotic relationship between sports and community health initiatives. It highlights how sports figures can play a crucial role in supporting and promoting healthcare causes.

 

The partnership not only benefits the patients but also enriches the lives of the athletes, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.