by Rachel Hunter
The 2021 Ryan’s Wish Foundation Golf Tournament will be held at Emerald Greens’ 18-hole golf course in Gouverneur on Saturday, August 21, 10 a.m., to raise funds to help those diagnosed with cancer and serious illnesses throughout St. Lawrence, Jefferson, Franklin and Lewis counties.
Dr. Robert Saidel and his wife Rita founded Ryan’s Wish Foundation in memory of their son, who strived to live life to the fullest even as he battled cancer. Ryan Saidel from Gouverneur, NY was diagnosed with neuroblastoma when he was 14 years old and fought the disease for five years before he passed at age 19 on February 7, 2004. During his five-year struggle, Ryan touched the lives of countless people. To those around him, Ryan defined the word courage as he lived his life inspiring others to make the best of each and every day.
A year after Ryan’s death, the Ryan’s Wish Foundation was created to celebrate Ryan’s inspirational life, and is dedicated to helping others who are battling a serious illness “play and live strong.”
Many throughout the North Country community know of someone within the local area who has been helped from the Ryan’s Wish Foundation. The foundation continues to help literally hundreds of people and their families within the North Country. The Ryan’s Wish Foundation (501 (C) (3) nonprofit organization) is created to celebrate the inspirational life of Ryan Saidel. The foundation is dedicated to helping people who are battling a serious illness to “play and live strong.” The Foundation serves people in the tri-county areas of Northern New York: Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence Counties. Funds received from the Foundation can help offset traveling costs and other expenses incurred by individuals and their families during treatment or hospitalization.
The 2021 Ryan’s Wish Foundation Annual Golf Tournament will follow a 4 Team Captain & Crew format. Cost is $60.00 per member or $240 per team. Donations are appreciated. The tournament will be held on Saturday, August 21, 2021 at 10 a.m. at Emerald Greens Golf Course in Gouverneur, New York. To register: Call Emerald Greens at 315-287-4497 or Gary West at 315-955-2101; gwest29@gmail.com.