Sanford International names Sam Matheson 2022 Sanford Children’s Hospital Ambassador
May 26, 2022
Contact:
Paul Heinert
Sanford Health Media Relations
605-366-2432 / paul.heinert@sanfordhealth.org
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The Sanford International, in partnership with the Sanford Health Foundation, has named Sam Matheson of Sioux Falls the 2022 Sanford Children’s Hospital Ambassador. Matheson will represent the Sanford Children’s Hospital at tournament events throughout the year.
Sam started showing signs of illness near his 12th birthday as he began to lack energy while playing. On August 10, 2018, he was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma. The cancerous tumor was in the nasal cavity and left jaw. Today, Sam, 15, is cancer-free and continues to gain strength from his treatments.
“The Sanford Children’s Hospital Ambassador is the real champion of tournament week, and so it’s no surprise when they receive the loudest ovation during the opening and closing ceremonies,” said Josh Brewster, tournament director of the Sanford International. “Supporting the tournament through volunteering, purchasing a ticket or donating to the Birdies Give Back program, helps make more stories like Sam’s possible.
Matheson is the sixth Sanford Children’s Hospital Ambassador, joining Jaxon and Jeren Scheff (2018), Avery Hill (2019), Ben Wieman (2020) and Cobey DeSchepper (2021).
“Sam has overcome so much in his young life, and it is a joy to welcome him into this special group of ambassadors,” said Erin Sanderson, executive director of the Sanford Health Foundation. “His presence shows the power of the Sanford International and what the tournament is really all about – making a lasting impact on children in our community.”
For more information about the Sanford Children’s Hospital Ambassador program and previous representatives, visit sanfordinternational.com.
About the Sanford Health Foundation
The Sanford Health Foundation is a nonprofit organization on a mission to improve the human condition by inspiring human connection and philanthropy to power Sanford Health’s work of health, healing and comfort.
100% of every dollar raised helps deliver compassionate patient-centered care and drive medical research and collaboration to accelerate bold solutions for a brighter tomorrow. To learn more and join us, please visit sanfordhealthfoundation.org or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.
About the Sanford International
The Sanford International, a PGA TOUR Champions event contested in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, will be played at Minnehaha Country Club the week of September 12-18, featuring a $1.8 million purse. In its fifth year, the Sanford International will continue to focus on charitable giving and making a lasting impact in Sioux Falls. These organizations are supported through the proceeds of the tournament and via direct donations to participating charities. For more information about the tournament, please visit sanfordinternational.com. You can also follow the tournament on social media via Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
