Upcoming golf tournament continues Links des Pink’s ‘Fight’ against cancer

Since its inception in 2008, the Links des Pink “Golf To Fight Cancer” tournament has helped raise more than $130,000 for the battle.
That number will spike after Aug. 29 when the 2015 tournament tees off at Vermilion Oaks Golf Club in Abbeville. The two-person scramble will begin at 1 p.m. Abbeville General will be on hand to offer free PSA testing and health screenings to participants. There will also be a $1,000 chipping contest.
“It’s always a fun event,” said Links des Pink Golf Chairmen Richard Melancon.
One that has helped raise important funds during the last seven years. However, the mission for Links des Pink began a year before its first golf tournament.
“We had a gala in 2007 to celebrate Melancon Jewelers’ 25th year,” Melancon said of his business. “We raised $1,700 during the gala and donated it all to a cancer charity.
“We were proud to raise $1,700 on that particular night.”
That lit a spark.
“A group of us got to talking and decided to see if we can form an organization and do some good,” Melancon said.
That led to the formation of Links des Pink. The group includes LaNell Melancon, Vicky Foreman, Kathy Cormier, Cheryl Hebert, Richard Melancon, Robert Greer, Tara Greer, Sherry McMinn, Freddie Trahan, Neppie Trahan, Jeani Stevens, Sandi Hernandez, Cheryl Broussard and Kristy Segura.
“We have done a lot through a lot of hard work,” Melancon said.
Along with the golf tournament, Links des Pink has sold 3,000 of its “Signature” T-shirts as well as selling other cancer-related awareness items. Members work to spread awareness at area festivals and the group is heavily involved with the Miles Perret Cancer Services.
Links des Pink sponsors monthly support groups and sends breast cancer survivors on a special annual retreat.
For those affected, the group is there from the start, offering Hope Baskets to newly diagnosed cancer patients.
Unfortunately, the group has been affected by what it is set up to fight, losing three of its initial members, Sharon Campisi, LaRue Bourque and Stacey Hardy. All three remain honored by the group. Stacey Hardy Memorial Mammograms are offered at Abbeville General. The group also created the Sharon Campisi Memorial Grant.
“We remain motivated by their memories,” Melancon said. “We don’t easily forget what we are fighting for.”
Links des Pink members are proud of that fight.
“I am proud that we have donated 100 percent of all net proceeds,” Melancon said.
The goal, like many groups with the same mission, is to one day be able to stop raising funds because of the discovery of a cure.
“That’s it,” Melancon said. “Until that time, we will keep on going.”