JACKSON, Wyo. — What began as a group of golfers with a vision to make a difference has now grown into a milestone moment for local cancer care. The 2025 Tee It Up for Oncology tournament, held August 14–15 at Teton Pines Country Club, raised $146,641 — pushing the event’s cumulative impact since 2012 to more than $1 million in support of cancer treatment at St. John’s Health.
Past tournament funds have provided essential tools and upgrades including a 3-D mammography machine, brachytherapy afterloader, CT scanner, oncology treatment bays, and state-of-the-art infusion chairs — investments that have already elevated the quality of care available at St. John’s Health. The 2025 event took on an even greater purpose: helping lay the groundwork for significant investments that will one day allow St. John’s Health to offer radiation oncology close to home.
Currently, patients must drive hundreds of miles — sometimes several times a week — for radiation treatment. This travel places extraordinary strain on families already facing the challenges of a cancer diagnosis. Looking ahead, the addition of a linear accelerator — a cornerstone of any comprehensive cancer program — would make it possible for patients to receive life-saving radiation therapy in Jackson rather than traveling long distances. Radiation is a vital component in treating more than 60% of all cancer cases, including breast, prostate, colon, lung, bone and ovarian cancers.
“This milestone is about more than dollars — it’s about changing lives,” said Anna Olson, President of St. John’s Health Foundation. “For patients who have faced the burden of traveling hundreds of miles for radiation, the possibility of one day offering this treatment in Jackson represents more time at home with loved ones, more strength for healing and more hope. We are deeply grateful to the Teton Pines Women’s Golf Association for fueling that vision.”
