Portsmouth, Va. (May 09, 2008) – Virginia native son and golf legend Curtis Strange will participate in the annual Bon Secours Maryview Foundation Golf Classic on June 4. Proceeds from this year’s tournament will benefit an expansion of the Emergency Department at Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center and also cancer services at Bon Secours Maryview and the Bon Secours Health Center at Harbour View.

The double shotgun tournament, with both morning and afternoon sessions, will take place at Bide-A-Wee Golf Club in Portsmouth on Wednesday, June 4, 2008. This year’s presenting sponsor is Ocean Marine Yacht Center. Opportunities for sponsorships and foursomes are still available.  Contact Julie Fink at 757-393-0813 for more information.

The Bon Secours Maryview Emergency Department has met the Portsmouth community’s within a physical area that was designed in 1999 to treat 35,000 patients annually. Today, the department treats 57,000 emergency cases each year – more than 61% increase in less than 10 years. Funds from the golf tournament will help construct new triage facilities, add 10 private transfer beds for patients who are being admitted to the hospital and re-design the workspace for clinicians so that they can be more efficient and effective.

Portsmouth leads the state in the number of cases of breast cancer, lung cancer and colorectal cancer. Many types of cancer are preventable, and community education and outreach is the key to reducing the incidence and mortality from cancer.  These cancers can be treated through early detection, lifestyle changes and prompt medical care.  Proceeds from the golf tournament will help fund community events, seminars, cancer assessments that emphasize lifestyle changes and education so that cancer risk can be reduced and opportunity for survival greatly improved.  Proceeds will also benefit cancer treatment and support services.