‘Drive for the Cure’ tournament marks 18 years of supporting brain cancer research

LONGMEADOW, MA (WGGB/WSHM) - A local businessman’s memory is driving a cancer research breakthrough, one golf swing at a time.

More than 150 golfers teed off at Twin Hills Country Club in Longmeadow Monday for the 18th Annual Tom Cosenzi “Drive for the Cure” Charity Tournament. In nearly 20 years, the tournament has raised more than $2 million for brain cancer research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

The tournament honors Cosenzi, who passed away from a glioblastoma brain tumor. “After he passed, we made a commitment not only to be able to honor his name, but to donate money to his doctor, Dr. Wynn, and his team of researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Neuro-Oncology department to help, hopefully, other families not have to suffer the way ours did and to find a cure for not only brain cancer, but for all types of cancer,” said Carla Cosenzi.

Organizers said more than 250 guests are attending Monday night’s dinner, emceed by Western Mass News’ very own Dave Madsen, which also honors a local glioblastoma survivor marking six years cancer-free.