EDWARDSVILLE – A new metro area non-profit organization is off to a remarkable start in their efforts to lead the fight against melanoma. On Saturday, June 28, Come Out Swinging, Inc. held its First Annual Golf Tournament at Oak Brook Golf Club in Edwardsville, IL.

After more than six months of careful planning and organizing, the organization’s five board members and 20-plus volunteers were ready to celebrate the fruits of their labor after the event drew nearly 140 area golfers and generated more than $35,000 for melanoma research.

“The primary objective of our event and existence as an organization is to raise skin protection awareness and funds for the fight against melanoma,” said Come Out Swinging President Ryan McMichael. “It’s incredibly gratifying to see how much we’ve accomplished in such a short period of time.”

McMichael attributed the success of the event to their dedicated core of volunteers and an outpouring of support from national and local corporate sponsors and donors such as Smith Media, Bullfrog Sunblock, the St. Louis Blues, Baugher Financial, CACI, Market Basket, Merril Lynch, Bryan Cave and Polsinelli Law just to name a few. “From day one, we committed ourselves to growing this event into one of the St. Louis area’s most anticipated annual charity golf events.”

According to Oak Brook’s head PGA professional Mike Suhre, they’re well on their way, “I was born and raised on this golf course and I can honestly say this is the best golf tournament Oak Brook has ever hosted.”

Conceived in December 2007, Come Out Swinging was founded by McMichael, his brother Ben Crowder, and three other family members, as a result of their father’s ongoing fight with malignant melanoma. “When you’re watching someone you love going through something so difficult, you feel helpless. We wanted to do something proactive in hopes of bringing positive change to anyone battling the disease,” said Crowder.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, one American dies from melanoma almost every hour. “We want the public to be aware that everyone is at risk, but taking the simple steps to monitor and protect your skin can literally save your life,” Crowder added.

Fellow board member Ian Guthrie said proceeds from all of the organization’s events will benefit melanoma research through the Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. “It’s one of the fastest growing forms of cancer in America and arguably the most unforgiving due to the lack of treatment options. We want to play a major role in changing that trend.”

McMichael went on to say, “We couldn’t be more thrilled about the successful launch of our organization, but as long as someone is living with melanoma in this country, we’ll continue to be a leader and advocate in support of their fight.”

With an impressive first fundraising effort under its belt, the organization could be destined to become a familiar name around the St. Louis area and beyond – even if it’s one swing at a time.

For more information about Come Out Swinging and its upcoming events, please contact Ryan McMichael at comeoutswinging@live.com.

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