Swinging for Joy: Adventures at the 2024 Shriners Children’s Open

Blake, a longtime patient born with cleft palate, started playing golf casually during COVID-19 when other sports were unavailable.

He excelled, made the JV golf team and played all four years in high school. Now a freshman in college, Blake had the opportunity to represent Shriners Children’s Chicago as a standard bearer for the 2024 Shriners Children’s Open in Las Vegas, Nevada. This was a record-breaking year for the Standard Bearer campaign, raising $182,570. He joined ambassadors from 20 Shriners Children's locations. Blake walked alongside some of the world’s top golfers and kept score for the crowd of onlookers. A standout moment for Blake was when he outdrove Rickie Fowler during the Pro-Am event.

The crowd erupted with applause. Blake’s skills impressed the crowd; there were many happy fist pumps to celebrate.

Jordan Majersky, marketing and communications coordinator, represented Shriners Children’s Chicago at the Open in the welcome tent. Alongside her colleagues, she had the opportunity to greet spectators and communicate the mission of Shriners Children’s. The atmosphere remained lively and positive despite round two of play being suspended because of high winds. “A highlight from this event was seeing spectators excited not only for the tournament but also what the tournament was all about, and that is Shriners Children’s,” Majersky said.

The Shriners Children’s Open allowed Blake to continue his passion for golf, but it also provided so much more. The friendships Blake and his family formed will undoubtedly last a lifetime. Laura added, “We're deeply touched by the kindness and camaraderie shared among the families and patients. The efforts to make this event special for everyone involved were outstanding.”