Who Is The MelanOpen Team?

By now I'm hoping you've heard about this 'MelanOpen' thing. 
By now you may have checked out the website to find out just what we're all about. 
You may have even liked us on Facebook, or sent us a Tweet or two. 
But do you really know who's behind it all? 


Probably not.


Asking people to donate for a cause is tough. Especially when there are so many worthy and amazing causes out there that deserve more money than we will probably ever give them. So if we've asked you for money and not formally introduced ourselves, apologies in advance. We ask that you check us out. I promise we're normal folks, with normal jobs and (pretty) normal lives.  We just believe in raising money for causes that sometimes don't get the attention they deserve. And believe me, we certainly believe in this cause.

The MelanOpen Team

Susan 'Rice' Simpson

• Me in 5 words: Work Hard. Play Even Harder.
• Sign: Pisces.
• Best street meat ever: Richmond and Duncan. 
• Import or Domestic? Always imported.
• Best burger: Burger’s Priest, Leslieville.
• Favourite ice cream flavour: Mint Chocolate Chip.
• Bike or trike? Hmm, I’m going with Sidecar.
• Least Favourite Movie: Cold Mountain.
• Shoe Size: 9.
• Cats vs. Dogs: Cats. 
• Favourite Sports Team:  Toronto Maple Leafs.
• Favourite golf club: old school, 6 iron baby.
• Best Concert Attended: Beastie Boys. 
• Top Mix Drink: Vodka and Soda, lots of lime.
• I have a: fear of butterflies.
• Favorite Movie: Breakfast Club (show dick some respect).

What does being part of the MelanOpen team mean to you: It means the longest drive trophy is coming to me! Seriously though, being part of the MelanOpen means a lot to me because this time, it’s personal. I’ll never forget the day Dad called to say that the cancer had spread. Didn’t think it could get any worse until he said they’d given him 6 months. This team, the event, and what we stand for together will hopefully mean that in the future, my son or daughter doesn’t have to go through that same experience. It’s only with the support of our Friends and our Families that we will be successful. !*%! You Cancer. I'll see you guys on the tee!  

Michael 'Johns' Johnston

• Me in 5 words: Big...4 more huh? I am big. That's 3...
• Sign: Cancer...what's yours?
• Best street meat ever: I know what my worst was...Prague...could have been a dog/ratmeat mixture. Best...Berlin...a cold tall Heineken and a 2 foot long Bratworst on a mini bun (keeps u from burning your fingers).
• Import or Domestic? Import...like my wife.
• Best burger: People's, on Dupont St. (Banquet burger if you want to know exactly what to order).
• Favourite ice cream flavour: Chocolate
• Bike or trike? Bike...you can go faster.
• Least Favourite Movie: Cold Mountain.
• Shoe Size: 12.
• Cats vs. Dogs: in Streetmeat? Hmmmmmmm.
• Favourite Sports Team: Maple Leafs and Blue Jays.
• Favourite golf club: Bushwood...same club is in Caddyshack. 
• Best Concert Attended: Tough...tie goes to Pearl Jam (feat: Bonno) and Beastie Boys
• Top Mix Drink: Cuba Libre...in Cuba...mixed by a Cuban.
• I have a: motor cycle license.
• Favorite Movie: The Big Lebowski...tough one though. 

What does being part of the MelanOpen team mean to you: it's a culmination of so many thoughts and reasons...both selfishly and unselfishly. Selfishly in the sense that I get to spend the day golfing with close friends and family which unfortunately is a rarity these days...and unselfishly in the fact that we are helping to raise money for an under funded cause that someday can help protect all of my friends and family. I hope to see you on the course.

Simon 'Milt' Greer

Lead Guitarist, FSTP

• Me in 5 words: "I dig music"
• Sign: Stop
• Best street meat ever: Berlin with the Big Guy 2001 - it was epic
• Import or Domestic? Are we talking Vino Tinto, if so, Import
• Best burger: Hudson Drive Beer Burger circa 1996 w/cheese bun
• Favourite ice cream flavour:Chocolate (honorable mention to Tiger Tail)
• Bike or trike? Bike
• Least Favourite Movie: Big Night
• Shoe Size: 9.5
• Cats vs. Dogs: Dogs
• Favourite Sports Teams: BJ's, Buds (anyone not the Miami Heat)
• Favourite golf club: 6 Iron
• Best Concert Attended: Pearl Jam x 2 and DMB at the concert hall
• Top Mix Drink: Pisco Sours are pretty sweet (and sour)
• I have a: Niece and Nephew
• Favorite Movie: Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Almost Famous, The Big Lebowski - I could go on...

What does being part of the MelanOpen team mean to you: Since 2002 I have been involved with Camp Oochigeas as a volunteer both at the camp and in the city. Having spent time with children and adults who are battling cancer, I know that friendship, support and enthusiasm, of all kinds, goes a long way. Taking the time to participate and help support events like this takes very little time and effort but can make a huge difference to many, many people. The MelanOpen gives us a chance to hang out, have some fun and support a cause that really effects everyone, directly or indirectly, in their lifetime. Come out, have some fun and donate a bit of money. Everyone should donate yearly, to some type of cause, even if it is just a little bit, you can afford to. 

Thank You To More Donors

Not only has today been action packed with Davey getting some scan results, but we've had a VERY busy start to the week with donations coming in left, right and centre.


A special shout out to the former MBS (Media Buying Services) group who have gone above and beyond donating a whopping $1,500. I hear there's a challenge out there, let me know if you need Simpson to cause some havoc.


A HUGE thank you to Michael Daniher, who's come in with a $1,000 for his good pal, Davey. I'm at a loss for words for your generosity.


As always, Mr Paul Curley came through in the clutch, not only with a huge donation of $500, but a special prize for our Silent Auction. I won't give too much away, but so far it looks like I'll be able to wear my #15 jersey to a game and he'll still be on the team (this year anyway).


And last but certainly not least, Janet Langille, Jimmy Brennan and my wonderful In-Laws, your support as always is tremendous.


We're officially over $3k (2 cheques are being processed, so it doesn't show up yet on the final tally, but it will be updated shortly!) mark, all thanks to YOU!


Indebted to you all,
The MelanOpen Team

One Day At A Time

Everyone has different ways to cope with bad news. Some people cry. Some people bottle it up. Others carry on as if nothing happened (strong on the outside, sad on the inside). The Simpson's are a different breed. Or so we like to think. In the face of a Stage IV diagnosis, we all reacted differently. As the crier in the family, I took one for the team. And eventually, we have been able to get back on our 'in your face' ways and constantly abusing one another. Cancer schmancer. If anyone has it beat, it's Dad.


But one thing that got us all through was the following statement: ONE DAY AT A TIME.


And today, my friends, we got good news. Davey's lesions have shrunk.


Even if it's just for this week. Even if next month it gets worse. ONE DAY AT A TIME. with today being a GOOD day

The Invitation

 Isn't she a beaut?







Now originally, the cost to enter was $150/golfer. After some feedback from our friends, plus re-negotiations with Maples, we have been able to come up with a lower entry point, as well as 2 options for those who want to play.


1) $120/person: this includes your golf, cart, lunch, MelanOpen swag and after party ticket.
2) $100/person: this includes your golf, cart and lunch only.


In the past we've had some pretty awesome SWAG to give away, so do not fret, if you choose option 2, we will have MelanOpen swag available for purchase at the course. Of course if you decide to come to the after party later, then we're pretty flexible :)


The RSVPs are rolling in. Wow. It's officially happening. So far we have six 4-somes confirmed. Remember, cheque must be made payable to "Susan Simpson", or if your tech savvy, you can always email Susan the money. Just indicate what you'd like to do on the RSVP!


Looking forward to it folks!
Susan

Sponsor Our Event and Support Sunnybrook

Just wanted to say a big THANK YOU to Greg Cormier and Kelly Harrison for being the first 2 people to sponsor our 2010 MelanOpen charity golf event. Every little bit helps us along our journey to raising $6,000 for Melanoma Research.

After talking with a few people, we've noticed that many people either cannot make the event, or the prospect of playing 18 holes for $120 is a bit daunting. DO NOT FRET. we want you to still join us at the after party, AND you can still donate directly to the cause at the link below.

Sponsor my event and support Sunnybrook    

As always, very much appreciated!

Your MelanOpen Team

The Invitation

As you can see, we've been busy over the last few weeks getting our logos and Blog developed and up and running. The creative process takes time people.Which leads us to the next step in our 2010 MelanOpen adventure: THE INVITATION.


Many of you have heard about the event we are hosting on October 2nd. 
Many of you have said you'd like to take part. 
Many of you are as eager as we are to start kicking some Melanoma A*$#


We should have a formal invitation out this week. In the meantime, you can check out how you can Register or Donate right here on the blog. It's as easy as 1, 2, 3. Just follow the links and get started! 

Oh and if you're an avid Facebooker, we've just started our own Facebook Page. We'd like it, if you'd like us. 


- MelanOpen Team

The MRF

The Melanoma Research Foundation is the largest independent, national organization devoted to melanoma in the United States. I've chosen to write about them this morning as you won't find a Canadian equivalent. (Maybe there's a chance for the MelanOpen yet!) After spending a great deal of time in the patient chat rooms, this site became the source for me. I literally wasn't going anywhere else. I could interact with patients at a similar disease stage as my Dad. I could talk directly to medica professionals to get their insights and opinions. I could talk and share my story with other families going through the same motions. If you have recently been diagnosed or know someone who has been diagnosed with Melanoma, I highly recommend it. 

So what else does the MRF do?

Well, taking this directly from their site, their MISSION is: 

To support medical RESEARCH for finding effective treatments and eventually a cure for melanoma. To EDUCATE patients and physicians about the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of melanoma. To act as an ADVOCATE for the melanoma community to raise the awareness of this disease and the need for a cure.

Today you can help Cosmopolitan magazine and the MRF practice safe sun and fight skin cancer! Learn how you can make a difference here: http://www.firstgiving.com/cosmopolitan

Thanks MRF. Once again you've inspired me to make a difference.

- Rice

History - The Who, What, Where, How

In 2006, 4 friends joined forces to organize the 2006 MoPen Invitational Golf Classic. With more than 30 golfers, we hit the fairways of Ballantrae G&CC and raised more than $4,000 for Camp Oochigeas.

A little bit about Camp Ooch:

Simply put, it’s way more than a regular summer camp. It’s a safe place for children to go, learn, have fun and experience camp surrounded by other children who have sadly been affected by the “big C”. The Camp even offers year-round programs because as we well know, cancer isn’t seasonal. Approximately 680 children each year get to experience the magical feeling of Camp Ooch. There is no cost to the family to send their child to Ooch, they rely solely on donations and fundraisers from local communities and places like the Hospital For Sick Children in Toronto. 

It costs $3,500 to send 1 child to Ooch for 2 week. Through the 'MoPen' we were able to raise more than $4,000 and with that, we made one kid a very, VERY happy camper.

Knowing what we were able to contribute was a truly amazing experience. And it's with that, and the fact that Susan's Dad has been fighting Melanoma for the last 4 years, that we embark on our newest venture - the 2010 MelanOpen. 3 of the 4 original organizers return (learn more about Susan, Mike and Simon), this time to help raise money specifically for Melanoma Research at Sunnybrook Hospital where Susan's dad is currently undergoing Chemotherapy. (A special shout out to all of the nurses and Dr's at the Odette Cancer Centre!!! Thank you for everything!)

Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better.  It's not.  

~Dr. Seuss

And So It Begins

As many of you know, 2010 started off with some tough news for the Simpson family. My Pops was diagnosed with Stage IV Melanoma and has been battling the big ‘C’ for the last 7 months. For all of you who have met him, he’s a fighter and so far he’s managed to shoot a 92 at Ballantrae with plans to make that an 82 next week. He’s in good spirits and continues to fight the fight each and every day.

For Him and all the other people fighting this terrible disease,  I am pleased to announce the very first MelanOpen Charity Golf Tournament to help raise money for Melanoma research.


After raising more than. $4,000 for Camp Oochigeas in 2006, the team that brought you the “MoPen Invitational” are back in action. This year we are raising money specifically for Melanoma Research through The Sunnybrook Foundation.

Melanoma is the most lethal form of skin cancer and there are more than 48,000 melanoma related deaths that occur worldwide each year. The disease, if caught early is very treatable. But once it has spread, there is only a 5-15% chance of treatment having any effect. Translation, the odds are not good. Our money will go directly to research new treatment methods with the hopes that in our life time, or at least our children’s, a cure for this terrible disease can be found.

DATE: October 2^nd 2010

LOCATION: Maples of Ballantrae Golf Club 

COST:  $150/person 

It vows to be an amazing day full of good company, great banter, golf, amazing prizes and of course one helluva after party with a seriously fun raffle. It’s for a great cause and we hope to see you all there. For anyone who doesn’t want to play golf, you will be able to donate money directly to Sunnybrook and we are working on having a 9-hole option for those who don’t want to play the full 18.

We will be in touch soon with all of the formal details, please stay tuned!!!

Sincerely,

Your MelanOpen Team