Rick Shadyac, the CEO of ALSAC, the fund- raising organization for the hospital, says the “young patients look forward with great anticipation each year to participating in the special activities we arrange for them.” On Tuesday of tournament week, competing professionals visit patients for a game of miniature golf at the St. Jude Golf-A-Round. During Wednesday’s Pro-Am, the kids get to be honorary caddies and carry a pro’s putter to the green at TPC Southwind’s 11th hole.

And on Sunday, they participate in the trophy presentation and congratulate the new champion. “These extra efforts give the patients a break from the routine of treatment,” says Shadyac, “and helps them realize that many people outside their immediate support circles care deeply about them.”