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PGA TOUR Champion Billy Horschel Supports Young Adults With Cancer and MS through First Descents

April 22, 2020

Media Contact

Ray Shedd
First Descents
ray.shedd@firstdescents.org
(203)499-9633

Denver, CO

PGA TOUR Champion Billy Horschel Supports Young Adults With Cancer and MS through First Descents

  • Horschel gives $10,000 for adventure programs
  • Donation made in partnership with Velocity Global

Professional golfer and PGA TOUR star Billy Horschel donated $10,000 to First Descents to support innovative adventure-based programming for young adults coping with cancer and multiple-sclerosis. In partnership with his sponsor Velocity Global, Mr. Horschel and his family have pledged a leadership gift to support cancer and MS patients living in Florida and Colorado.

Founded in 2001, First Descents provides life-changing outdoor adventures for young adults impacted by cancer, MS, and other serious health conditions. They host free adventure programs nationwide, giving thousands of patients the opportunity to kayak, climb, and surf beyond their diagnosis while connecting with peers with shared circumstances. 

“This isolating time amidst the COVID-19 pandemic profoundly impacts young adults affected by cancer and other serious health conditions. In addition to immune-related precautions, research shows that this community has an increased risk of anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and even suicide,” shares Ryan O’Donoghue, Executive Director at First Descents. “Billy and Brittany’s generous gift is a symbol of hope as we ask our survivors to ‘standby for adventure.’ This gift helps ensure those adventures are ready when it’s safe to gather again.”

A five-time PGA TOUR winner and 2014 FedExCup Champion, Mr. Horschel is sponsored by Velocity Global – an international PEO firm with operations in 185 countries. Velocity Global is a generous corporate partner of First Descents, having facilitated and funded the launch of adventure programs for young adults coping with multiple sclerosis in 2018.

“When we put our logo on Billy’s shirt, we chose the man as much as the player; that couldn’t be more evident than in this donation to First Descents, a mission we all passionately support,” said Ben Wright, Velocity Global founder and CEO. “Billy and Brittany inspired an outpouring of generosity as the PGA TOUR paused with the rest of the world. Billy is spending his time making our communities better while he waits for golf to return.”

“Brittany and I believe that healing from a serious illness like cancer or MS, and long-term implications of depression and addiction, require innovative solutions like the free adventure programs of First Descents,” said Horschel. “We are thrilled that Velocity Global introduced us to this wonderful cause. Our family loves spending time outside, especially in Florida and the mountains of Colorado, and we look forward to volunteering on a future trip to experience the healing power of adventure firsthand!”

 

ABOUT VELOCITY GLOBAL

Velocity Global is the leading provider of global employment solutions that has reinvented the way companies expand overseas. With unrivaled expertise in over 185 countries, Velocity Global delivers end-to-end services and best-in-class support to help companies confidently navigate the entire lifecycle of international business. To ensure a compliant, efficient, and flexible international expansion, Velocity Global provides a comprehensive suite of global services that includes International PEO, Entity Setup and Support, Global Talent Acquisition, Immigration, and Consulting.

ABOUT FIRST DESCENTS

First Descents (FD) is the global leader in adventure-based healing. Through outdoor adventure, community building, and skills development, FD improves the health and quality of life for young adults impacted by cancer and other serious health conditions.

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