Children and families suffering from the devastation of cancers and genetic disorders can count on extra support this season thanks to the generosity of sports stars and celebrities playing in the Sixth Annual Sports Legends Golf Tournament benefiting The Bone Marrow Foundation.

The event honored Hockey Hall-Of-Famer Emile Francis, and the golf tournament and auction was supported by sports celebrities players like Jim Nantz of CBS Sports, UCONN basketball coach Jim Calhoun, and Bruce Fleisher of the PGA Champions Tour. The event raised over $50,000 for The Bone Marrow Foundation’s Pediatric Aid Program.

Christina Merrill, Executive Director of The Bone Marrow Foundation, expressed her gratitude for the generosity of the players and supporters saying, “I am continually inspired by people’s passionate commitment saving the lives of adults and children alike. This year’s honoree, Emile Francis, lost his father to leukemia when he was a teenager. He has played in all 13 of our annual golf events in Florida, and since he spent 16 years as the coach of the general manager of the New York Rangers, we thought it appropriate to make him this year’s Sports Legends honoree.”

The tournament took place on Monday, June 19, at the Bethpage State Park Red Course in Farmingdale, New York. Bob Fishman, former CBS Sports Director and cancer survivor, and Bob Merrill, an accomplished Jazz musician, co-hosted the event. Bob Fishman says of the tournament’s success, “As a survivor, I know the impact of our efforts on the ability of The Bone Marrow Foundation to save lives.”

The Bone Marrow Foundation, founded in 1992, provides financial assistance, education and support programs to children and adult bone marrow and stem cell patients and their families without limiting patient assistance to a specific diagnosis or age range. The services provide what health insurance does not often cover and provide vital support for patients and families. To learn more about the foundation go to http://bonemarrow.org.