Though the modest athlete is often dismayed by the trappings of celebrity, he is pleased that his prominence can help focus awareness on the problem, bringing support and help to abused children. He's a golf legend whose endurance has made him an American hero. But Arnold Palmer has endured more than many know. A survivor of prostate cancer, Palmer has decided to take his experience and message of encouragement on the road. He has worked to benefit the American Heart Association, the March of Dimes and has headed fund drives for hospitals in his hometown of Latrobe, Pennsylvania, and Orlando, his winter home.
Prostate cancer affects one in five men in their lifetimes.
Yet research funding lags far behind that of breast cancer, which has similar mortality statistics. Palmer feels this is due to men's reluctance to talk about the disease. The Alliance for Youth. Introduced in April 1997 at the Presidents' Summit for America's Future, the initiative is a national effort geared to give disadvantaged kids a better chance in life. Based in Virginia, the organization works to coordinate the efforts of corporations, foundations, volunteer and religious organizations, government agencies, state and local communities and individuals.