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Each year, a family that has been impacted by childhood cancer is invited to The Franklin Templeton Shootout as special guests and to share their personal story.
In 2006, brother and sister Gregory and Kaitlyn Lang, both of whom were stricken with cancer at a young age and hail from Naples, gladly accepted this very special invitation.
Many who had the pleasure of meeting Gregory still vividly remember his speech during the Thursday Awards Gala in which he described the festivities as "the best night of my life." Those present that evening will forever be touched by his strength, courage and optimism in the face of tremendous adversity. His infectious smile won the hearts of every person in the room.
Gregory enjoyed a lifelong passion for golf and had great admiration for tournament host Greg Norman. Last year, when he met the 24 professionals in the Shootout field, Gregory was profoundly struck not so much by their ability, but rather their sincere commitment to childhood cancer research. It was during the Shootout that came to a profound realization, and from this realization arose the Gregory Weber Lang Foundation benefiting CureSearch.
When Gregory turned 18 last December, Norman and many of his newly acquired PGA Tour friends called with birthday wishes. Highlighting the myriad gifts was a complete set of MacGregor golf clubs personally signed by The Shark himself. Those clubs became one of Gregory's prized possessions. Many players, including Norman, stayed in touch with Gregory throughout his excruciating final battle, offering earnest encouragement to continue the fight and achieve the many lofty goals he had set.
Gregory succumbed to this dreaded disease September 10, 2007 after a heroic 15-year battle. Cancer had finally taken his body, but could never claim his spirit. In his painfully short time on this earth, Gregory possessed an unmatched love and willingness to help others.
"Gregory immediately touched you with warmth and compassion that you seldom find in people," Norman said. "He displayed wisdom and courage well beyond his years, and his loss was a painful reminder that we have a long, long way to go until stories like his have a far happier ending."
For the 42,000 children in the United States who live with cancer, and for Gregory Lang and all the children who will live forever in our hearts, we rededicate our passion and commitment to reach the day when every child with cancer can be guaranteed a cure.
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