POPTAP hosts charity golf tournament to support brain cancer research
By Korey Hughes
Special Correspondent
When Dottie Harkins was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2008, she had no idea that her experience with that medical condition would someday lead her to create POPTAP, a Midlothian-based nonprofit that raises funding for brain tumor research and awareness.
On Monday, July 13, groups of local golfers will take to the link during the 4th annual POPTAP Charity Golf Tournament to raise money to help the organization continue to achieve that goal. The tournament will happen at Salisbury Country Club at 13620 W. Salisbury Road in Midlothian. Check-in will begin at 11:30am with a shotgun start at 1:00pm.
POPTAP’s name is an acronym that means “Power of Positive Thinking and Prayer.” Harkins, the organization’s founder and president, said the name came to her while thinking about her experiences with the condition before surgery.
“I always looked at life in a positive way and POPTAP gave my family, me, and my friends hope that my surgery outcome would be successful,” Harkins said. “It was then suggested that I pursue POPTAP to help others.”
Since Harkins has experienced a brain tumor diagnosis first-hand, she knows how important it is to ensure that research that might someday reduce or eradicate brain cancer should continue.
“Fortunately for me, my brain tumor was diagnosed via sinus issues,” Harkins said. “I had no symptoms that usually occur when learning you have a brain tumor. One month later, I had surgery and the plum-sized meningioma brain tumor was removed. I had a wonderful surgeon and a great support system which really made the overall experience successful.”
According to Harkins, nearly 700,000 people are currently living with primary brain tumors and another 60,000 plus will be diagnosed this year. Brain tumors have not received as much attention in popular media as other medical conditions which is something that POPTAP aims to remedy.
“I believe brain tumor organizations may directly target more funds towards research and awareness versus the media blitz and operating expenses that other fundraising organizations incur to promote other medical conditions,” Harkins said. “But one thing I have found is that whenever you mention the words ‘brain tumor’, people open up and share their experiences of family and friends that have been diagnosed or impacted.”
Proceeds raised during the tournament will benefit the VCU Massey Cancer Center’s research projects and awareness campaigns, a cause that Harkins said she considers to be very worthwhile.
“I did not spend time at VCU Massey Cancer Center, but a friend’s husband was diagnosed and treated there,” Harkins said. “My friend and I have joined forces to raise funds for brain tumor research and awareness with proceeds benefitting the VCU Massey Center.”
Harkins and her husband, Brian, are avid golfers, which is why they thought a competition like this would be a great way to raise awareness and funds for their cause.
Monday’s tournament will be a four-person scramble where each player hits a tree shot. Each team will choose the best shot until the best shot is holed out. The team with the lowest 18-hole score will win.
An awards dinner will be held at 6pm and door prizes and a silent auction will round out the festivities.
Although registration for the tournament is full and closed at this time, POPTAP is still accepting Hole Sponsors (Hole sponsorships are $200) and Door Prize Donations. Local residents who are unable to participate in the tournament can donate funds by visiting POPTAP.ORG.
According to Harkins, Chesterfield County residents should support the tournament and POPTAP’s efforts because many people who live in the county have utilized the services that VCU Massey Cancer Center offers.
“I believe people will thoroughly enjoy playing or volunteering and knowing that their time and donations are for a worthwhile cause,” Harkins said. “It is a special day for POPTAP and for all those involved by giving back to our local community.”
