PALO ALTO, Calif., - Oct. 8, 2004 (PRNewswire) - The Robert Packard Center for ALS research at Johns Hopkins and Samsung Semiconductor, Inc. has announced that the Bob Packard Cup, a golf tournament founded to raise money for ALS research (commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease), will be held on November 1, 2004 in Palo Alto, California.
The tournament, which raised $500,000 last year to fund what the Center believes is the most promising ALS research, is being presented by Samsung Semiconductor, Inc., which has made a two-year commitment to The Bob Packard Cup.
"The Robert Packard Center has broken the mold of medical research," said Anne Martin, president of the Robert Packard Foundation, "and the Bob Packard Cup has been instrumental in this effort. "The Center does not fund any one medical institution, but rather brings together the best ALS specialists from around the world, regardless of professional affiliation, to develop new treatments and find a cure as quickly as possible."
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neuromuscular disease that causes death within two to five years of diagnosis. It is a mysterious affliction that strikes randomly without warning, causing progressive paralysis and then death.
"Samsung is honored to act as presenting sponsor for the Bob Packard Cup," said Y.H. Park, President and CEO, Samsung Semiconductor, Inc. "As committed members of the Silicon Valley community, Samsung is dedicated to supporting the community in any way we can, and we were deeply impressed by the innovative and entrepreneurial approach that the Robert Packard Center has taken in the fight against ALS."
The event will be hosted by Tom Watson at the Stanford University golf course. Watson's former caddy, Bruce Edwards, passed away from ALS earlier this year. Also hosting the event is Frank "Sandy" Tatum, Jr., a former president of the United States Golf Association and a one-time NCAA gold champion from Stanford. Andy North, two-time U.S. Open champion, will be attending the tournament in Watson's place, because of medical reasons.
Proceeds from the event will benefit The Robert Packard Foundation for ALS Research in San Francisco, CA, and research at The Robert Packard Center for ALS Research at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, MD.
Source: Robert Packard Foundation
