Teeing up hope: Nationwide Children's Hospital Championship drives funds, awareness for pediatric cancer research

Moments after Frankie Capan III tapped in his final putt to win the 2024 Nationwide Children's Hospital Championship, 18-year-old Cecelia Jalloh, who was successfully treated for acute leukemia at Nationwide Children's Hospital, made the ceremonial "Final Putt to Cure Cancer" to drive home the philanthropic purpose of this Korn Ferry Tour Finals event at The Ohio State University Golf Club.

Since its inception in 2007 through last year's event, the tournament has raised more than $25.6 million to support pediatric cancer treatment and research at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. The research and innovation that originates at Nationwide Children's are shared with pediatric hospitals across the country and around the world to help children everywhere.

"This best-in-class tournament has consistently highlighted some of golf's emerging talents, but its core mission is to support children," said John Carter, president and chief operating officer of Nationwide Financial and chairman of Champions of the Community, the tournament's host organization. "Raising funds to accelerate groundbreaking medical advancements at Nationwide Children's is a vital part of the event, but we're also honored to involve Patient Champions in various activities throughout the week."

The annual Pros Fore Patients paired Patient Champions with Tour professionals for on-course golf instruction, games, and assembly of care packages for current patients at Nationwide Children's. Several Patient Champions also participated as Honorary Observers on Sunday, walking with the final professional pairings of the tournament and waving to fans as they were recognized by the 18-hole announcer.

Earlier in the week, "Final Putt to Cure Cancer" honoree Cecelia Jalloh also took the "First Shot to Fight Cancer" to officially open the first round of play. Cecelia was awarded a $10,000 college scholarship by Nationwidefollowing her ceremonial tee shot.

For more information about Nationwide Children's Hospital or to make a donation, visit NationwideChildrens.org.