National champion golfer, Ian Supra Memorial Foundation team up for charity golf tournament

The fourth annual Brendan Valdes Charity Golf Scramble vs. Pediatric Cancer, in partnership with the Ian Supra Memorial Foundation, was held Monday, June 24, at the Orange Tree Golf Club in Dr. Phillips. 

“It has been amazing to be able to help these kids through golf,” Valdes said.

Along with the Supra foundation — a nonprofit organization founded to carry on the legacy of Ian Supra, a Dr. Phillips High student who died in 2015 after being diagnosed with stage IV esophageal, liver and lung cancer — the annual tournament raised $32,000 to support pediatric cancer patients with wishful experiences free of cost. This was the most in the tournament's history. 

Valdes, also a former Dr. Phillips High student and current member of the national championship-winning Auburn University men’s golf team, initially partnered with the foundation through a family connection. 

“We all came together at first because of Brendan’s sister, Bailey, who actually played water polo with Ian at Dr. Phillips,” said Matthew Mayorga, a co-founder and board member of the foundation. “Once Brendan was going off to college and getting his golf career started, his team kind of reached out to us and said they wanted to give back to the area, and because they knew us and Bailey knew Ian, that we would be a good fit and it just kind of became what you see here today. Now, we’re four years down the road, and we’ve raised around $30,000 each year from this event, so it’s been a blessing.”

Beyond the golf being played each year or even the funds raised to benefit children diagnosed with cancer, this tournament has turned into more than just a charity event. It has become a special moment for Valdes, the foundation and those children and families who benefited from their efforts to come together.

“Helping these kids means the world to us,” Mayorga said. “We’ve been helping kids now for about 10 years, and it’s still amazing to see those kids out here just running around and having fun. … It’s really special for everyone (who is) out here giving back toward our cause, to see the kids from right here in our community that their support, donations and efforts are helping.” 

Valdes agrees and loves to catch up with the kids and their families. 

Photo by Sam Albuquerque

“Being out here and getting to see the families this event has helped by granting these kids’ wishes and sending them to really cool places or to have these awesome experiences has been incredible these past four years,” he said. “Being part of this — it’s priceless.”

Along with the joy that comes with catching up with the kids and families they’ve supported through their cancer journeys, the reality of the harsh disease means dealing with the losses it brings. Valdes and the foundation ensure this tournament also allows for room to remember and celebrate the lives lost to pediatric cancer. 

“Last year, we had a kid we were helping out,” Mayorga said. “He actually loved golf so much that he played in the tournament last year. Unfortunately, he passed away a few months ago, so to remember him and honor his memory, we’re going to hold a moment of silence later today at lunch. Obviously, we’re all out here to golf and have a good time, but these kinds of moments really capture the importance of what we’re trying to accomplish. Giving back to the kids who need it most is what means the most to us.”

Because their goal is to honor Supra’s mission of creating lasting memories for children with cancer and their families, the Supra foundation ensures 100% of the donations received directly benefit those battling pediatric cancer in the Central Florida community. 

“Any little thing helps,” Valdes said. “Everyone has been touched by cancer in one way or another, and it’s one of the worst things someone can experience. So, being able to do what we’re doing for these kids by partnering with (Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children) to grant their wishes is so important to their and their families’ lives. Any little thing you can do to support us in that fight is amazing. Whether it be coming out here to next year’s tournament or donating whatever makes sense for you or even volunteering. Anything helps, and I know from my end, being here for these kids (always) makes my day.”