By Delinda Lombardo on
He’s only 16-years old, has hung out with the some of the worlds greatest golfers, heroes, athletes and musicians and is quickly becoming one of the most recognizable spokespeople in the charity world for his role with Caddy for a Cure.
His name is Christian Collins and he is amazing.
Christian was born on August 25th, 1993, with a rare bone marrow disorder called Fanconi Anemia. After a successful bone marrow transplant, he became the National Spokesperson and impetus of the ‘Caddy for a Cure’ program, while becoming a hero to many families suffering with FA.
Caddy for a Cure is just as amazing as its spokesperson. The organization offers the unique opportunity to help many worthy charities while providing the ultimate golf experience: the opportunity to caddy – inside the ropes – for a PGA TOUR Professional during the practice or Pro-Am round of an official PGA TOUR event. 100% of all proceeds go to the Fanconi Anemia Research Fund, the Wounded Warrior Project, the PGA TOUR player’s charity, the PGA TOUR host site charity, and the PGA TOUR Caddy Benevolent Fund.
Camilo Villegas, Ian Poulter, Sergio Garcia, Boo Weekley, Robert Allenby, Drew Brees, Dan Marino, Kenny G, Jack Nicklaus, Vijay Singh, Jim Furyk, Phil Mickelson and Ernie Els are just a few celebrity friends who support Caddy for a Cure.
With so much love and an almost overnight celebrity, LookToTheStars.org was eager to speak with Christian and CFAC Founder Russ Holden about the growing popularity of an organization.
Next week Caddy for a Cure will be in Miami for an event, but last week, Christian captured the heart of the greatest golfer of all time, Jack Nicklaus.
“The greatest golfer of all time got to meet Fanconi Anemia first hand and shake his hand,” CFAC Founder Holden told us, “He got to see the effects of the disease and Jack (Nicklaus) really engulfed Christian.”
Christian spent the day with ‘Jack’ in his cart, along with Sgt. Andy Butterworth, a below the hip amputee, who became the first Wounded Warrior to experience Caddy for a Cure.
“Christian met ‘Butter’ a few years ago in Hilton Head Island” explains Holden, “What started out as an opportunity to say thank you to so many who have given so much, has become so inspirational we continued it. In fact, when Jack (Nicklaus) found out that WWP was onboard with CFAC, he virtually insisted we get a Warrior to caddy.”
And although Christian just spent a week hanging with friends such as Drew Brees, Dan Marino, Kenny G, Jack Nicklaus and Butter, he has remained focused on his role as the National Spokesperson for CFAC and is remarkably grateful to those who support charity.
“Next week we’ll be in Miami for another event,” Christian told us, “I know my friend Boo (Weekley) is going to be there, but I’m really excited to meet the people who gave us money for the charity.”
Christian’s brother, Calen, who also suffers from F.A., has been a great source of inspiration to him.
When asked what he thought other kids could do to help people, he answered, “Be more like my brother Calen, he’s one of our National Diplomats.”
How does it feel for this youngster to be called a ‘hero’ and an inspiration for so many people?
“Awesome!” Christian said, “And I get to raise awareness and meet the people who support us.”
His best Caddy for a Cure experience?
“Last week,” explained Christian, “Meeting Jack and Drew Brees.”
And there’s no doubt in this writers mind, that if Jack or Drew were asked what their favorite CFAC experience has been, both would answer with a resounding “Meeting Christian.”
Thanks to CFAC Founder Russ Holden and spokesperson Christian Collins for taking the time to speak with us, and for inspiring so many with your remarkable gift to humanity.
For more information on how to support Caddy for a Cure and help stomp out Fanconi Anemia, please visit CADDY FOR A CURE.COM.
Copyright © 2010 Look to the Stars
