HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (April 6, 2006) -- Inspiration comes from many sources but for many parents it often comes from their kids. David Eiler is no exception. The story of how his wonderful daughter, Jessica June, inspired him however has a bit of a twist. With blonde hair, a sweet smile and soft brown eyes, Jessica couldn’t help but be noticed everywhere she went.

Described by her family as a natural born leader at just 7 years of age, Jessica is already living her life to the fullest. She was involved in so many different activities that David remembers often having difficulty just keeping up with her. If she wasn’t out kicking soccer balls on the field or tumbling her way through gymnastics, she was on excursions with her dad and The Indian Princesses, a local father/daughter bonding group formed by the YMCA. Jessica adored her dad and to David, little Jessie was his world.

Accustomed to spending a vast quality time with his daughter, David looked forward to the memories they would create as she grew up. David never expected his time with Jessica to be cut short – and then it was. On a cool Sunday afternoon in October of 2003, David found himself rushing Jessica to the hospital only to learn that a life-threatening disease loomed in the distance. With little more than cold symptoms earlier in the week, Jessica June, just a few days later lost her battle to Acute Myelogenous Leukemia.

As David and Jessica’s mother, Sandra, experienced every parent’s worst nightmare, funeral arrangements were made for their daughter. Donations poured in to the local chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society from family members and friends who were awestruck at the sudden and unexpected death of this beautiful, vivacious young girl.

After months of grappling with the ultimate question of why, David reached out to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. He wanted answers and he wanted to help. “No family should ever have to go through this,” he expressed to Sheri Markus, campaign director at The Society. While Jessica had motivated her dad many times before, she had now become the biggest inspiration in his life to finding a cure and helping other families facing this disease.

After speaking with numerous oncologists and LLS staff members, David quickly learned that the answers he was looking for lie in research and development – and research takes dollars. What he needed to do became clear – and in his daughter’s memory, The Jessica June Golf Open was created.

As David planned for his first golf tournament, he was overwhelmed by the support he received from friends and colleagues wanting to help with his efforts for a cure. He never imagined that just three years later, both the tournament and support would continue to grow. After raising $175,000 in its first two years, David hopes that the “Third Annual Jessica June Golf Open” will serve as his greatest memorial to his daughter and raise more than $150,000.

Thanks to the ongoing support of presenting sponsor, Sterling Bank and many others, he is off to a good start. “Jessica would want me to reach higher – I do this for her,” said Eiler of his goal. “Support so far from local companies has been great – I’m working as hard as I can on this because I don’t want another family to have to endure losing a child,” he added.

This year’s Jessica June Golf Open, presented by Sterling Bank, will be held on Thursday, April 27th, 2006, at the Deer Creek Golf Club in Deerfield Beach, Florida. For more information on sponsorships, foursomes or the awards dinner and auction, please contact Sheri Markus at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at (954) 961-3234, x – 12.

Sponsors of the third annual Jessica June Open include: Sterling Bank, The Jade Organization, Berger Properties, Carey Kramer/Collateral Mortgage Company LLC, Mandel, Weisman, Heimberg, Brodie & Griffin, P.A., Ross Properties, and The Enclave Sandpiper.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (R), based in White Plains, NY, is the world’s largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education and patient services. The Society’s mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Since its founding in 1949, the society has provided more that $411 million for research specifically targeting blood cancers. For additional information, please contact the Society at (800) 955-4572 or visit http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org.

WHO:
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Southern Florida Chapter

WHAT:
Is hosting the Third Annual Jessica June Open, presented by Sterling Bank. Major sponsors include: Sterling Bank, The Jade Organization, Berger Properties, Carey Kramer/Collateral Mortgage Company LLC, Mandel, Weisman, Heimberg, Brodie & Griffin, P.A., Ross Properties, and The Enclave Sandpiper.

WHEN:
April 27, 2006 - 12:00 pm. Lunch, registration and warm-up followed by 1:30 shotgun start.
After the tournament, guests will enjoy a lovely dinner, awards ceremony and silent auction.

WHERE:
Deer Creek Golf Club at 2801 Country Club Blvd. in Deerfield Beach.

WHY:
David Eiler, of Sterling Bank, founded this event three years ago following the sudden death of his 7 year old daughter, Jessica June Eiler, from leukemia. Since that time, this annual event has raised more than $175,000 for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Southern Florida Chapter to help raise awareness and fight against blood cancers.

DETAILS:
For sponsorship or foursome information, please contact Sheri Markus, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at (954) 961-3234. Sponsorships for this event range from $750 (tee sign) to $20,000 (Presenting – Sold). Corporate foursomes for $2,000 include golf, lunch dinner and exposure opportunities.

About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society(R), headquartered in White Plains, NY, with 66 chapters in the United States and Canada, is the world’s largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research and providing education and patient services. The Society’s mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Since its founding in 1949, the Society has invested more than $424 million in research specifically targeting leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Last year alone, the Society made over 2.5 million contacts with patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals.

CONTACT
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Southern Florida Chapter
Sheri Markus
(954) 961-3234
(305) 937-7444