Event homepage of 'Debbie Gray Classic'

Welcome to the Debbie Gray Classic tournament page! You're invited to join us as we tee it up to raise critical funds to support the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society - a global leader in the fight against blood cancer. LLS's mission is simple - cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

NOTE: Please read the update in "Debbie's Story" below. Her fight isn't over yet.

Like last year, we will be directing the proceeds of our tournament to LLS' Dare to Dream Project, a project that is "powering innovative research, new and safer treatments, support services and advocacy for kids". Kids are different and should be treated differently for their blood cancers. LLS is seeking to raise $175 million by 2027 to support global, collaborative research and treatments for children's blood cancers. Three facts you should know:

40% of pediatric cancers are blood cancers.
Almost 80% of childhood cancer survivors develop chronic health issues from their treatment.
ONLY 5% of cancer drugs have been approved for first time use in children.

For more information, please visit the Dare to Dream website.

https://lls.org/dare-to-dream

Since 1949, LLS has invested nearly $1.6 billion in groundbreaking research, pioneering many of today’s most innovative approaches. LLS has helped advance 70% of the blood cancer treatment options approved by the FDA since 2017.

The Debbie Gray Classic will help support LLS's efforts to cure blood cancer.

On behalf of LLS and every child with a blood cancer, thank you.

Debbie's Story - UPDATED May 2025

As many of you know, in 2010, Debbie was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL).

Over the course of 14 years, she was treated with several forms of infusions and oral chemotherapy. In August 2024, she completed the last dose of oral chemotherapy and rang the bell at Siteman Cancer Center. This milestone marked the first time since her diagnosis that she is completely free from all treatments and medicines.

Unfortunately, in May 2025, Debbie's oncologist found multiple lymph nodes and some of her blood counts were elevated. Her immune system was also very low. Debbie's cancer is back. Dr. Bartlett is holding off on any specific treatment for now, however, Debbie will need IGG infusions every month for the next 6 months to bring her immune system back. Needless to say, these weren't the words we ever wanted to hear again. But Debbie beat this once and she will beat it again.

We will continue to support Debbie's courage and spirit in her fight against CLL. Thanks to our generous donors, and the research funded by LLS, Debbie is still able to live a quality life. Too many other blood cancer patients are not as fortunate. The funds raised by the Debbie Gray Classic will help support LLS's mission and provide researchers with the resources needed to find a cure for all blood cancers.

We hope you'll join us and help continue to support our fundraising efforts for LLS.

For more information on the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society please visit: https://www.lls.org/

Thank you for your generosity,

John & Debbie Gray