February 15, 2021
Tax and donation letters are currently being prepared and will be sent out shortly. Thank you again for your generosity.
Despite Covid-19, we were pleased to be able to hold a small, socially distanced golf outing this year. Although it was much smaller than usual and our fundraising efforts were limited, we were truly grateful to have a day to honor our dear Paul and celebrate safely with those who loved him. Even with the limited events, your generosity allowed us to give a well deserved scholarship again this year. Thank you all for your continued support during these unprecedented times. To learn more about our scholarship winners, please click here
Paul Bernot Memorial Foundation Funds Adventures for Young Adults with Cancer
Pittsburgh, PA, August 17, 2019 -- Paul Bernot Memorial Foundation held their third annual Golf Outing in memory of Paul Bernot and in support of athletes impacted by cancer on Saturday, August 17th. This charitable event also celebrated the official partnership announcement between Paul Bernot Memorial Foundation, Denver-based non-profit First Descents (FD), and Pittsburgh-based Young Adult Cancer Support (YACS). To date, the annual Golf Outing has awarded 2 college scholarships, supported Lynch syndrome research, and sponsored free outdoor programs for two young adults impacted by cancer, and the impactful collaborations have only just begun.
“When Paul passed away at age 33 from colon cancer, we realized that there were not a lot of opportunities for athletes diagnosed with cancer. Throughout all of his chemotherapy, he tried to continue with sports, but there wasn’t a cancer community focused on athletics or opportunities to stay active. When we discovered First Descents, we knew this partnership was meant to be. I couldn’t be more passionate about supporting their mission” said Paul’s brother and Foundation President John Bernot.
With consistent growth in providing scholarships and underwriting FD participants, Paul Bernot Memorial Foundation continues to provide transformative, healing support to local young adults impacted by cancer. This Saturday, August 17th, the foundation welcomed more than 100 local supporters to participate in a golf scramble to raise funds and awareness for future First Descents programming.
Ray Shedd, First Descents Director of Advancement, says that the Paul Bernot Memorial Foundation’s support is helping to take FD’s program development in Pennsylvania to the next level. “We’re thrilled to expand local programming in Pennsylvania with the support of a meaningful Foundation partner. This partnership will allow young adults coping with cancer to find healing through adventure programs and community connection.”
About Paul Bernot Memorial Foundation:
The Paul Bernot Memorial Foundation was created in memory of a courageous young athlete who died from colorectal cancer at age 33. Paul fought cancer as hard as he had fought any competitor in his life: battling through chemotherapy, radiation, multiple surgeries and immunotherapy. Despite all that stood in his way, it was his desire to stay involved in sports that kept him going until the very end. In honor of Paul’s memory, and for athletes who are impacted by cancer, we are your team on the sidelines. The Paul Bernot Memorial Foundation exists to empower athletes with cancer to pursue their passions. Visit https://paulbernotfoundation.org to learn more.
About First Descents:
First Descents is a leader in outdoor adventure-based healing. Through outdoor adventures, community building, and ongoing skills development, FD improves survivorship for young adults impacted by cancer and other serious health conditions. Headquartered in Denver, CO, First Descents provides more than 1,500 unique experiences annually with an operating budget of $4.3 million. Visit FirstDescents.com to learn more.
About YACS:
Young Adult Cancer Support (YACS) is a unique Cancer Caring Center program for young adult cancer patients and survivors, aged 18-39, in Western PA. YACS’ mission is to offer emotional support, social activities, and financial assistance so that this population can thrive and strive with others who can relate. YACS remains as the only program in Western PA that offers support services exclusively for local young adults impacted by cancer.
Stephanie Scoletti, Director of Support Services 412-622-1212 http://cancercaring.org/yacs/
The Paul Bernot Memorial Foundation is thrilled to announce Abigail Blauvelt as the 2019 college scholarship winner. Abbie is currently a sophomore at Boston College and is majoring in Biology. She shared with us that in spite of her Leukemia diagnosis, she continued to compete in gymnastics, wearing a mask to practice and with her chemo port accessed. Her doctors credited her minimal side effects to her continued participation in sports and her drive to stay active. We are thrilled with all she has been able to accomplish thus far, and are so glad to be able to assist her in her journey in Paul's memory. Good luck at BC this year, Abbie!!