Ten-year-old Emmy stole the show! Although barely peering over the podium, her speech to 144 golfers and 16 volunteers at the 7th Annual Golf Classic commanded a standing ovation and many teary eyes, including my own.

Emmy was confident, poised, informed and oh so adorable while as she spoke from her heart about her food allergy journey.

Her speech, which she wrote, was the perfect combination of heartbreak, inspiration, humor and hope. She talked about the fear and anxiety she experienced when first entering Dr. Wood’s study at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center (“JHCC”), the comfort and reassurance she received from him and his Nurse Terri and of the joy she experienced in eating her first wheat containing food- an Oreo cookie (although Triscuits are now her favorite).

7th Annual Golf Classic

It was my privilege to have met Emmy and her family and to once again hear from Dr. Robert Wood, the Director of Pediatric Allergy & Immunology. I am honored to continue supporting and assisting with the 7th Annual Golf Classic benefiting Dr. Robert Wood’s Pediatric Food Allergy Research at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center.

This very successful tournament was started 7 years ago by Chuck and Olga Paterakis to support the research that has helped their son to now safely eat dairy due to his participation in Dr. Wood’s research study.

Chuck and Olga Paterakis at JHCC Golf Charity — Chuck and Olga Paterakis

The tournament was held on May 12, 2017 at the beautiful Bulle Rock Golf Course where golfers played on an immaculate course during a day filled with delicious food, fun and prizes including 4 chances to win a car with a hole in one at the four par 3 holes!

Due to the dedication of the JHCC Golf Committee and the generosity of the supporters, the tournament raised $250K to contribute to the research and to date has raised $1.5M.

Fortunately, the rain held off and the golfers enjoyed the company of one another and the challenge of Bulle Rock.

While no one got a hole in one on the golf course this year, there were many “hole in one” moments back at the clubhouse including Emmy’s speech, the incredible support from the golfers, assistance from the volunteers, helpful Bulle Rocke staff and obvious dedication of the committee.

This winning combination is helping Dr. Wood and his team to find a cure for food allergies which effects millions of people worldwide.