Driving Out Cancer
Ardent philanthropists and passionate supporters of the UW Health | Carbone Cancer Center, Andy and Susan North are making an indelible impact. Andy, a two-time U.S. Open champion and ESPN analyst, knows cancer on a personal level — he’s faced bouts of skin cancer and prostate cancer. As a Madison resident, he feels fortunate to have a leading cancer center so close to home. Together, Andy and Susan formed the Andy North and Friends initiative in 2008, which has raised more than $13 million to advance innovative research and patient care.
The Norths’ initiative has hosted numerous fundraising events, from dinner galas to golf outings. These annual events have brought in a remarkable number of celebrity friends, including Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, former Milwaukee Brewer Robin Yount, and golf legend Jack Nicklaus. And when Andy and his friends team up, great things happen. Following its 10th anniversary in 2018, Andy North and Friends expanded, reaching across the nation and hosting gatherings in Arizona, California, Florida, and New York, while still maintaining a presence in Wisconsin. These gatherings are raising money and awareness for revolutionary cancer research.
Andy’s relationship with the Carbone Cancer Center originally began when his mother, Mary, was being treated for breast cancer. In 1991, Andy became the patient — years of sun exposure on the golf course had evolved into basal cell carcinoma, requiring five surgeries to completely remove the tumor from his nose. Then, in 2014, he was once again diagnosed, this time with prostate cancer.
With help from the Carbone Cancer Center, he triumphantly overcame both of his diagnoses and walked away with his health and an even deeper appreciation for the incredible research and life-saving care provided at the center. “We want to increase awareness because this cancer center set the gold standard years ago and continues to raise the bar each and every day,” says Andy.
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