LPGA cancer fighter ranks among personal heroes
A personal list of heroes remains limited, a sister, Patricia, who raised or helped nine brothers and sisters following our mother’s death and father’s desertion.
A brother, Ken, who rose to president of Atlantic City Electric Company and higher after starting out as a maintenance man.
Two sisters who have survived breast cancer and other significant challenges in their lives, still finding improvement, eternally grateful about having one more day, especially when one considers that breast cancer incidence is lower in African-American women yet their mortality rates soar higher, have my ultimate love and respect.
Another hero, outside our familial bloodlines, stands as a pioneer in breast cancer education, funding and research.
A special place in my heart and life exists for Val Skinner, a woman who lost her best friend, Heather Farr, to breast cancer then started a LPGA Pros In the Fight to Eradiate (LIFE) breast caner initiative that battles a disease that affects millions.
Skinner hosted her 19th LIFE event on June 10 at Mountain Ridge CC in North Caldwell where about 20 LPGA stars joined the event after playing the ShopRite LPGA Classic at Stockton Seaview Hotel & Golf Club.
Skinner had a minimally successful LPGA career although anyone with extended time as a professional can claim significant achievement. The affable Skinner appeared at ShopRite Classic, delivering another heart-to-heart about life and the lover of her life, this passion to serve as an ambassador for all people who deal with breast cancer.
Skinner hit practice shots on Seaview’s range, staying in one place long enough for a discussion about life, the past and future.
“There were four in five tournaments where I just didn’t finish well,” Skinner said, a water under the bridge confession.
Skinner claimed six LPGA career victories and earned a member o the U.S. Solheim Cup team and Captain of the 2003 U.S. PING Junior Solheim Cup team. Farr never won on Tour although she seemed on the brink of victory and stardom until that day she felt a lump in her breast.
Skinner wrote on her LIFE page, “I still remember the day, flying home from a tournament, when Heather told me she had found a lump on her breast. I wasn’t worried for her. She was a young, healthy, professional athlete. And young women don’t get breast cancer. Then we got the news. Heather’s lump was cancer… and it was aggressive.
“There must be some mistake”, I thought. But it was no mistake. For four years, the LPGA community watched as Heather fought this disease with everything she had. She did it the same way she played golf, with a confident and positive mindset. Heather’s incredible attitude and spirit during this fight is one of the most inspirational observations of my life. On November 20th, 1993, breast cancer took Heather Farr’s life at the age of 28.”
Farr offered parting words during a final Skinner visit. “Val, don’t let this go unnoticed.”
Skinner, a Bayhead, N.J. resident, answered the bell, forming the LIFE Foundation shortly after Farr passed away. Since then, Skinner has hosted 19 special LIFE events that attracts the LPGA’s best players and others who push toward professional golf stardom.
During every golf outing, Skinner attempts successful navigation of memories and emotions, before she eventually hands over the microphone. Her latest attempt failed again as Skinner passed the mic to friend, Jennifer Beck, a former New Jersey State Senate member who served the 11th Legislative District from 2012-2018. Prior to redistricting, Beck represented the 12th District from 2008-2012.
Skinner, who has raised nearly $12 million for cancer research, recognized Beck as a friend and major supporter along with a litany of oncologists, specialists, LPGA stars and friends. The 19th LIFE event honored two breast cancer survivors, Jennifer Merschdorf and Marjorie Stromberg Miller. Both were both named LIFE Heroes for 2018.
Val Skinner remains a friend, champion, personal hero and part of the Parker extended family as she expands her circle to support those afflicted by breast cancer, hoping that one day we celebrate a cure.