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Tonganoxie couple help organize benefit golf tournament

By Joshua Roberts - | Apr 20, 2005

In its first two years, proceeds from a fund-raiser golf tournament spearheaded by families in Tonganoxie and Edwardsville went to help loved ones battling cancer. This year, the tournament has branched out in a different direction and funds will go toward helping a Basehor man awaiting a kidney transplant.

“It’s completely a group effort,” said Don Isabell, who along with his wife, Penny, of Tonganoxie, and the Passler family of Edwardsville and Kansas City, Kan., are coordinating this year’s tournament. “It was my brainstorm, but I’m just a small piece of the puzzle.”

The 3rd annual Izzy Open is scheduled for May 21 at Oak Country Club, 8800 Scott Dr., in De Soto. Proceeds from the event will go toward the family of Basehor resident John Ross and will be used for expenses leading up to and after a kidney transplant.

The Isabell and Passler families said in the tournament’s first two years proceeds went to family members battling breast and lung cancer, respectively. However, this year tournament organizers spread their wings to offer a financial helping hand to an area resident in need.

“Luckily, we don’t know of any illness in the family,” Isabell said. “We just thought, we know he’s in need so we planned on it.”

“It’s a way for us to pay it forward,” said Susan Passler, who along with her husband, Chuck, of Piper are also helping coordinate the tournament. “We hope to keep doing this the rest of our lives.”

Ross is currently undergoing dialysis treatments three days a week. Soon, he will be eligible for a kidney transplant. Proceeds will help Ross and his wife, Linda, who legally adopted and raise three of their grandchildren, with expenses, namely travel costs and medication.

Isabell encouraged anyone interested in playing in the tournament or donating to the Ross family to contact him immediately. Organizers are hoping for as high a turnout as possible for the golf tournament.

“It makes you feel good. You know there are people out there who need help. It’s for a good cause and it’s a way to help someone else and have fun while doing it.”