Out & About: Legacy in Action at the Kwame Lassiter Foundation Golf Classic

On a bright summer morning in Chandler, Arizona, advocates, athletes, and community leaders gathered at Ocotillo Golf Club for the 6th Annual Kwame Lassiter Foundation Legacy Golf Classic—a powerful event that blended purpose, play, and public health awareness.

Hosted in honor of the late Kwame Lassiter, former Arizona Cardinals standout and passionate health advocate, the tournament brought together supporters of his foundation’s work to uplift families navigating cancer, sickle cell disease, and other chronic illnesses. This year’s event also spotlighted a growing partnership between the Kwame Lassiter Foundation and the Sickle Cell Foundation of Arizona, along with The Force for Health® Network, which has collaborated to develop a digital support hub called the 360 SCD Hub.

The Hub is a mobile-first, white-labeled app designed to connect patients, families, providers, and advocates around sickle cell awareness, education, and engagement. Built to meet families where they are, it empowers users with tools, resources, and community-driven content to navigate the complexities of the disease and treatment.

Carrying the Torch: A Legacy Continued

The story behind the event is one of both heartbreak and hope. Kwame Lassiter began his foundation in part due to his family’s personal journey—one son carried the sickle cell trait, and another lived with the full-blown disease. After years of struggle, his son received a life-changing bone marrow transplant, which replaced the misshapen cells caused by the disease with healthy ones—an innovative but still underutilized treatment pathway for sickle cell warriors.

Just as the family began to celebrate a new beginning, tragedy struck. In 2019, Kwame passed away unexpectedly from a cardiac-related event during a workout. He was only 49.

Determined to carry his vision forward, Erika Lassiter, his wife, established the Legacy Golf Classic to raise awareness and critical funds for continued advocacy. The event now stands as an annual celebration of Kwame’s life, leadership, and commitment to helping others.

A Gathering of Champions

Representatives from The Force for Health® Network and the Sickle Cell Foundation of Arizona were invited to attend on behalf of Executive Director Moses Akpan, who was traveling during the event. In addition to welcoming golfers and sharing the mission of the 360 SCD Hub, the team captured interviews and footage to amplify the day’s message.

Notable guests included:

• Erika Lassiter’s sister, who leads Program Management for the foundation and helps ensure services continue to expand to meet the needs of families.
• Reale Miller, a longtime family friend and dedicated supporter, who offered reflections on Kwame’s legacy and the community he built.
• Eric Hill, NFL Hall of Famer and former teammate of Kwame’s, who shared how professional athletes can and should use their platform to raise awareness about health issues like sickle cell disease. “We can be messengers,” Hill said, “and if even one person hears us and acts, it’s worth it.”
• Erika Lassiter, who leads the foundation with clarity, compassion, and resolve, emphasized the need to continue expanding awareness and access, especially for communities often left behind.

As the tournament progressed, the course was alive with camaraderie, laughter, and quiet reverence. Players competed, stories were shared, and community was built—just as Kwame had envisioned.

More Than a Game

This year’s event served as a powerful reminder that advocacy can take many forms. Whether on a football field, behind a foundation desk, or walking the green, every action counts in the fight for equity and support for families affected by chronic illness.

The Force for Health® Network remains proud to support this important work alongside trusted partners and looks forward to continuing to elevate the voices and stories that make up the fabric of health equity efforts across Arizona and beyond.

To learn more about the 360 SCD Hub or to get involved, visit 360SCDHub.com

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