Karl R. Potach Foundation Golf Tournament Supports Mayo Pediatric Cancer Research

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

ROCHESTER, Minn. — The Karl R. Potach Foundation held the 15th annual Karl Potach Memorial Golf Tournament on Aug. 20 at Austin Country Club in Austin, Minn. A portion of the proceeds from the event help support pediatric oncology research at Mayo Clinic.

"Over the last nine years, the tournament has raised approximately $100,000 to help fund basic, translational and clinical research at Mayo Clinic with the goal of improving treatments for children with cancer " says Richard Bram, M.D., Ph.D., chair of the Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology. "Mayo Clinic is very appreciative and is currently planning an event to recognize the foundation as a major benefactor."

Karl Potach was 2 when he was diagnosed with Wilms' tumor, a rare kidney cancer. Karl went through multiple rounds of chemotherapy and radiation treatments at Mayo Clinic. He lost his battle with cancer at age 4.

Mayo Clinic researchers are working to find a cure for Wilms' tumor and other pediatric cancers. They are also investigating alternative cancer treatments for pediatric cancers, such as proton beam therapy.

About Mayo Clinic Cancer Center

As a leading institution funded by the National Cancer Institute, Mayo Clinic Cancer Center conducts basic, clinical and population science research, translating discoveries into improved methods for prevention, diagnosis, prognosis and therapy. For information on cancer clinical trials, call 507-538-7623.

About the Karl R. Potach Foundation

The Karl R. Potach Foundation was established to enable private donations and proceeds from the Karl Potach Memorial Golf Tournament to be used to help cancer patients and their families. The foundation donates a significant amount of money annually to support pediatric oncology research at Mayo Clinic, the University of Minnesota, The Hormel Institute and The Children's Cancer Research Fund.

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About Mayo Clinic

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