by Mary Fecko

“Speechless, overjoyed, shaking in disbelief”. These are words to describe Joyce Vondenkamp on the day of Cancer Sucks!, a benefit tennis tournament that was held in her and her husband Rick’s honor at Pensacola Athletic Club. Rick was diagnosed with Stage 4 Melanoma Cancer over one year ago and was given the horrific news two months ago that his cancer is now terminal. Cancer Sucks! was a vision of myself, Sandy Hemmerling and George Cobia’s (the tennis director at PAC). We all wanted to give back to the most giving person we know.  Joyce is the first person to help when someone needs it and never expects anything in return. Joyce forbade us to hold the tournament a handful of times within the two weeks we planned it! As hard headed as all three of us are, we persisted and insisted that Cancer Sucks! would happen with or without her.

Blistering winds made for a dreary day, and other successful tennis events didn’t put a damper on this tremendous day. Cancer Sucks! drew 24 women’s doubles and 16 men’s doubles teams along with plenty of subs waiting on the sidelines. Players traveled from as far as Gulf Shores, AL and Navarre, FL just to show their support. Joyce even graced our presence at the tournament in between taking care of Rick, who had just received treatment earlier that morning.

Joyce’s infectious quality of giving spread like a wild fire in the community when people heard it was Joyce’s turn to “ask” for help. Monetary donations flooded PAC’s mailbox.  Over 75 silent auction items were collected from local businesses and individuals. We are definite that more businesses would have donated if more time was allotted. An autographed football, fishing trips, gift certificates to restaurants and spas/salons, tennis gear, and paintings by local artists were some donations to name a few. Thanks to the babysitters for the excruciatingly long hours you donated. Thanks to the players for understanding “BYOB” and not complaining. All of this allowed us to present Joyce and Rick with over $5300 and still counting. Totally astonishing!

All tournaments have one clear cut winner, but this one was different.  When tragedy strikes, it shows that we, as a tennis community can come together and fight for a cause. As a result, we are all winners and angels in Joyce and Rick’s eyes. Helping out a friend in need is far better than a towel or trophy that will be buried in the closet. However Sandy, George and I agree that a pair of Granny panties painted with “Cancer Sucks!” as the prize would be priceless and give Joyce a chance to “LOL!”

If you are interested in donating, please send monetary donations to Pensacola Athletic Center, 7700 Hwy. 98, and Pensacola, FL  32506.

Please patronize those who donated.  It is one way for us to pay it forward as Joyce always does.

Pizzaman Pizza                                                   Krispy Kreme

Noel & Evelyn Pacheco                                       Jackson’s Steakhouse

Eimaj Spa & Hair Studio                                      J’s Inflatable Fun

PAC Flight 3                                                        Josette Goyins

Tracey Newhouse/Pampered Chef                     Martha and George Koontz

Purple Julia                                                          Nancy’s Haute Affairs                                     PAC Flight 5            Andrea Driskell

Stacey Daugherty                                                Emerald Coast Skydiving/Jim Horak             Quy Tran/Happy 7                                              Susan’s Beauty Salon/Susan Kenderman      The Carpet Clinic                                                 Mackey’s Memories/Donna Mackey               The Whirled Cup Café                                         Jim Lemke                                                   Dillard’s Cordova Mall                                         Applebee’s                                       Nippon Sushi and Grill         Perdido Tennis/Margi Mowad    Hi-Tech Car Wash and Oil Change               Carrabba’s Italian Grill                                 Martelli’s Coffee House                                        A Wing & A Prayer                                                         Hip Pocket Deli                                                  Mary Ann Englehart, Blue Morning Gallery               Fran Fecko                                                         Carol Young, Blue Morning Gallery                  Nina Fritz Studio                                                  Will Call Sports Grille                                  Distinctive Kitchens                                              Nike                                                                             Seville Quarter                                                    Woerner Turf                                                      The Bridal Loft                                                     Mary Fecko/Tastefully Simple                          Global Grill                                                          Specifically Yours/Jennifer Morton                     Chick-fil-A                                                                The Glasses Store                                              GPAC Swimming                                                        J.W. Renfroe Pecan Company                      Angela Ballard/Mary Kay                                    Self Salon/Pam Garcia                              Myles Away Charters                                         Darenda’s Hallmark                                     Oyster Bar- Perdido Key                                     Champion Golf Club