Swing Strong ‘till It’s Gone

Charity golf tournament raises thousands for Parkinson’s disease treatment, research

Tapatio Springs Hill Country Resort hosted the “Swing Strong ‘till It’s Gone” event, a three-day golf tournament- fundraiser supporting the Michael J. Fox Foundation, dedicated to the study and treatment of Parkinson's disease in the actor’s name.

For Lisa Jahr, who sits on the board of directors for the Swing Strong 501(c)(3) organization alongside her husband, Sean, the cause is deeply personal, as Sean is currently battling Parkinson's.

“This is such an important cause,” Lisa Jahr said. “We want to get as much media coverage as possible.”

Swing Strong brought out “big hitters” in way of sponsors, including H-E-B, Cavender’s and even country singer George Strait.

“Cavender’s is going to sponsor anyone with Parkinson's that wishes to participate in next year’s tournament,” Barry Halbert, another Swing Strong board member, announced at the event.

Items from the live and silent auctions included Cavapoo puppies, local art pieces, a guitar signed by Strait, a four-night stay on a private island in Belize, a guided tour and two-day stay at The Edge Resort in Fredericksburg, and a paella dinner party for 20 friends.

But more important than the glamorous prizes are exciting new developments in the research of Parkinson's.

Sean Jahr invited his physician, Dr. Pablo Coss, to tell of developments in Parkinson’s research, and the importance role events like Swing Strong play.

“Just within the last few months, there have been developments,” Coss, a neurologist with U.T. Health San Antonio, said. “We are working toward a better scientific understanding of what causes Parkinson's, and what are the genetic risks.”

Coss said a recent clinical trial involved 13,000 people to try and answer the risks Parkinson's poses to families.

“But as you know, symptoms vary, person to person. We want to provide specific treatment for each person,” Coss said.

Stem cell research has proven to be an effective method to achieve this goal, he said.

“We have a new stem cell injection that goes right into the brain,” Dr. Coss said. “It’s been performed on a small population of patients, but so far, it has proven to be successful. We are also working toward a liquid administration for medications that would be absorbed by the skin, to eliminate the need to take so many pills.”

But Coss reminded the Swing Strong attendees that research is still needed to continue these exciting new developments.

“A new software we have provides a 3-D construction of the brain structure based off brain imaging. This helps us provide tailored settings for that patient,” Coss said. “Decades of research through all of these organizations have made this happen. The goal is to find a cure.”

Jordan Jahr, son of Sean and Lisa Jahr, expressed his gratitude to the Boerne community.

“This just goes to show you that you don’t have to be a major city to have a major impact,” Jordan said. “We have become a powerhouse of medical research. Every dollar brings us closer to making Parkinson's a thing of the past.”

While organizers are still tallying the Swing Strong financial haul, the impact already is being hailed.

A member of the Michael J. Fox Foundation, Lauren Williamson, thanked the organization and its supporters for the contributions made.

“In year one of this event you raised $30,000,” Williamson said. “Now it’s gotten up to $125,000. These grassroots community events show how generous, supportive and special communities like this are.”