MUSC named a regional supporter of US Womens Open

The Atrium play area in MUSC Children’s Health included a temporary putting green this morning as leaders announced new links between MUSC and the United States Golf Association. 

“We’ve watched MUSC’s beautiful new Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital rise upon the Charleston skyline,” said USGA championship director Matt Sawicki. “It’s clearly distinguishable from the Country Club of Charleston’s driving range, and it’s fitting today that we announce that MUSC will be an official regional supporter of the 2019 U.S. Women’s Open Championship.”

The championship will be played at the Country Club of Charleston May 30 through June 2, 2019. MUSC Health will provide medical care and support initiatives aimed at children, Sawicki said.

“Specifically, they’re going to provide on-site medical services to all of our fans and more than 2,500 volunteers. They’ll support our hydration efforts, our skincare education efforts and provide all the on-site support. Additionally, and most important to all the kids we have in attendance, we will provide complimentary admission to all children ages 18 and under into the championship for free and provide all of our junior programming for the week.”

Darius Rucker, a supporter of both MUSC Children’s Health and the U.S. Women’s Open, was on hand to pass out the first free junior ticket to patient Zack Steen. “It’s awesome,” Zack said after receiving the pass from the Charleston-based musician.

Patrick J. Cawley, M.D., chief executive officer of MUSC Health and vice president for health affairs of the Medical University of South Carolina, said it’s exciting to be part of the 2019 event. It will take place during the same year that the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital will open.

“Our new hospital will allow us to do new and different things, bigger things at MUSC. But the most important thing for us is to generate healthier lifestyles for all children and all women. And that’s why this event is so special for us. Because we’re going to be seeing here some of the greatest female athletes in the world. And they’re going to be just a stone’s throw from MUSC. We’re going to be doing great things in the hospital, but more importantly, we’re going to be promoting better lifestyles for women and children. 

After the announcement, patients had the chance to get on the green and take a few swings. The Atrium is part of the MUSC Children’s Health Child Life Program, which helps children maintain emotional well-being during hospital stays.