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Pierson DeHart Memorial golf scramble set to be played on Saturday
The 12th annual Pierson DeHart Memorial Golf Tournament is set for Saturday at Forest Park Golf Course in Brazil to raise money for children with medical problems.
The golf outing is named for Pierson DeHart, the son of Melissa and Chris DeHart.
Pierson was born into the DeHart family nearly 15 years ago – this year’s tournament falls on Pierson’s 15th birthday – with multiple medical problems and passed away on May 7, 2009.
As result of his condition, the community reached out and gave so much support. In turn, the DeHart family wants to extend that same support to another family in the community facing a similar situation of raising a child with special needs.
This year all money raised goes to Ellie and Annie Thompson, three-year-old twin daughters of Ryan and Abby Thompson.
Said Ryan and Abby Thompson of their daughters, “On October 29, 2021, we got news from the girls’ neurologist at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital that they are diagnosed with Rett Syndrome. My husband and I’s world crashed. Rett syndrome is a rare genetic neurological and developmental disorder that affects the way the brain develops, causing a progressive loss of motor skills and speech. This disorder primarily affects girls. Most babies with Rett syndrome seem to develop normally for the first 6 to 18 months of age, and then lose skills they previously had — such as the ability to crawl, walk, communicate or use their hands.
“Ellie still can’t walk but crawls everywhere! We work with her every day. Ellie loves particular toys and will play with them all day. Annie will walk but can’t pull up anymore, won’t crawl anywhere. Annie is very chill at home but sometimes has anxiety when we go out to public places. They both are nonverbal, and only cry if they want/need something. Sign language is very hard with them not having control of their hands most of the time. The show Peppa Pig is their comfort. They absolutely love that show and if you see us out and about, you’ll probably hear the show playing in the background, as well. Their six-year-old brother is crazy about them and so amazing with helping them. The girls love him with all their heart. It’s beautiful seeing them so close. The girls are strong fighters and I know we will get through this. We are so thankful for our family and friends. Without them, my husband and I would be lost. I know God has a beautiful plan for these precious girls. We head to Washington University in St. Louis (a Rett Syndrome facility) at the end of July. We will be going one or two times a month. Unfortunately, the girl’s insurance will not cover the expenses, so fundraisers help us out tremendously. It gives us the opportunity to give the best care we possibly can to get them to progress.”
The tournament kicks off with lunch at noon and a shotgun tee-off at 1 p.m.