Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a rare, serious skin disorder that affects the mucous membranes and causes painful blistering and peeling. These blisters can even form inside of the body, making it difficult to eat, swallow, or even pee. It is usually a reaction to a particular medication or an infection. So imagine trying to complete as a professional golfer with this disease! Gene Sauers did. In fact, the PGA Tour golfer overcame the disease to come back to win the 2016 U.S. Senior Open. For this amazing accomplishment, the PGA Tour recently honored Sauers with the PGA TOUR Courage Award.
The PGA TOUR Courage Award is presented to a player who, through courage and perseverance, has overcome extraordinary adversity, such as personal tragedy or debilitating injury or illness (I’d say Stevens-Johnson definitely qualifies!), to make a significant and meaningful contribution to the game of golf. Sauers is the third-ever recipient of the Courage Award, joining Erik Compton and Jarrod Lyle, who received the award in 2013 and 2015, respectively.
“Gene’s determination in defeating Stevens-Johnson syndrome and resuming a successful PGA TOUR Champions career serves as inspiration for anyone suffering with a life-threatening condition,” said Monahan. “It required tremendous fortitude for him to overcome nearly insurmountable odds, and we are thrilled to present him with the 2017 PGA TOUR Courage Award.”
The Courage Award includes a $25,000 charitable contribution to be distributed to a charity of the award recipient’s choice; this year’s contribution will be given to Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, a non-profit international center for treatment and research and a teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School. Clinician scientists at the Infirmary conduct research that aims to improve diagnostic tests, treatment options, and prevention strategies for patients with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.
“It’s truly an honor to receive the Courage Award, and it is my hope it sheds a positive light on the tremendous work being done by doctors and researchers around the country to find a cure for this debilitating disease,” said Sauers. “Through perseverance and determination, I was able to overcome Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and return to competition, and I cannot thank my family, friends and fellow PGA TOUR players enough for their tireless support along the way.”
Sauers took a seven-year hiatus from competition when a misdiagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis turned out to be Stevens-Johnson syndrome, a rare and painful skin condition. His condition quickly deteriorated when clogged blood vessels in his arms and legs caused his skin to burn from the inside out, which left him with just a 25-percent chance of survival.
After undergoing several skin grafts, which are still evident on his forearms, Sauers returned to competition in 2011 and 2012, playing a limited Web.com Tour schedule before turning 50 in August 2012. Since then, Sauers has earned more than $4.7 million on PGA TOUR Champions while accumulating 28 top-10 finishes, including six runner-up efforts.
