Andy's Passion
Cancer affects not only the person diagnosed but each and every individual that surrounds him or her. Cancer is an illness that has greatly impacted Andy Gilliland’s life, which has sparked Andy’s desire to make a difference. In 1989, Andy was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. In what was the last resort option, Andy received a bone marrow transplant from his younger sister, Rebecca. He shortly after entered remission and was later cured.
Andy may have been cured, but his battle with cancer was nowhere near over.
Another member of Andy’s immediate family, his father Jack, was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma in 2001. Jack achieved remission but later passed away in 2017. Andy’s mother, Carole, was diagnosed with a more aggressive form of Leukemia--Acute Myeloid Leukemia--in 2008. Unfortunately, her courageous fight with the illness ended a year later.
Due to Andy’s numerous experiences with cancer, he understands the abundant trials that accompany the diagnosis. His past allows him the opportunity to see a brighter future, inspiring him to conduct and continue his fundraiser, known as the Andy Gilliland & Friends Annual Golf Benefit.
Tournament History
During Andy's recovery, a few of his friends approached him; they wanted to host a golf benefit in order to reduce the expenses associated with his illness. Despite the aid of insurance, the cost of cancer treatments are inevitably high. They understood the emotional and financial burden that had been placed on Andy and his family, so they sought to help. Not only did they intend to raise money for the cause, they wanted to include the entire community of Hancock County. Upon his friends’ initial request, Andy was somewhat reluctant, but ultimately allowed it.
This was the birth of the Andy Gilliland & Friends Annual Golf Benefit, an event that has become a tradition. Likewise, this was the birth of Andy’s commitment to continue this work and to help other community members in similar situations. Andy was the first beneficiary of the outing, but each year since, someone different has been helped. All recipients are battling a cancer (of any type) and reside in Hancock County.
The event is held on the last Saturday of every September at the Arrowhead Golf Course in Greenfield, Indiana. Because the donations are for such a good cause, in years past, an upwards of $10,000 dollars has been raised for families in need. If you wish to donate, please visit our Donations Page.