This week, The Sacramento Press teamed up with Athletes vs. Cancer to give one lucky person the chance to caddie for NBA star Matt Barnes at the AVC Celebrity Golf International on Saturday, July 24. We asked entrants to tell us why they thought they should be Barnes’ caddie for the day. We received great responses and have chosen the lucky winner: Larry Tipper! Tipper will be hanging out with Barnes for 18 holes during the tournament at Woodcreek Golf Course in Roseville.  Here is Larry’s winning entry:

"My name is Larry Tipper and I'm 37 years old. Last April I was diagnosed with stage 3 Non-Hogkins Lymphoma. I am currently going through chemo every 3 weeks. I know you are asking for someone in good physical condition and I know this Saturday I will be "up to par" for the task at hand. Even through treatment I'm working out, bike riding, and running a mile or more at the gym. As long as I have cold water I'm good to go. I was lucky enough for my family and I to meet Matt today and he is an amazing person. Matt brought my hopes up and made me see even star athletes really, truly care! As an end note I really just want to thank Matt and all the people that make this event possible for cancer patients as myself."

A huge congratulations to Larry and thanks to everyone who entered!

About Athletes vs Cancer: Founded in 2009 by Matt Barnes in memory of his mother, the Foundation has expanded to recruit additional athletes and coaches touched by cancer. It’s primary focus in 2010 is to secure a mobile cancer screening van. The vehicle will visit low-income neighborhoods providing free cancer screenings, awareness and resources from AVC and its partner organizations.

For more information about Saturday’s tournament, read Nick Houser’s article here.
Photo 2 is of Larry, his son Jacob, and Matt Barnes this week at Thunder Valley.