On August 4, golfers and community members came together at Sycamore Hills Golf Course in Macomb, Michigan for the 5th annual Joe Bologna Charity Golf Outing, a powerful Angelman syndrome fundraising event that brought hope, love, and determination to the forefront.
Sutton’s Journey with Angelman Syndrome
The outing was inspired by Sutton Smith, who was diagnosed with Angelman syndrome in September 2020 at just nine months old. Her family soon launched Sutton Strong, the name they chose for their team and community of supporters who stand beside Sutton in the fight against Angelman syndrome.
Now five years old, Sutton has worked hard in multiple therapies and attends a developmental school for children with disabilities. Her family celebrates each hard-won milestone, which they lovingly call “inchstones.” Sutton continues to amaze her parents, Nicole and Brent, and her three older siblings with her determination and joyful spirit.
A Family and Community United for Sutton Strong
Led by Sutton’s uncle, Joe Bologna, the golf outing has grown into a beloved tradition that brings family, friends, and supporters together year after year. What began as one uncle’s determination to do something meaningful for his niece has grown into an event that rallies supporters and raises critical funds for Angelman syndrome research.
The Smith family shared: “Our golf outing is a great way to get family and friends together to fundraise. It has been a great success for us the past five years. We are blessed to have such wonderful family and friends to help put on this amazing event year after year. We hope that our efforts will help find a cure for Angelman syndrome.”
5th Annual Joe Bologna’s Charity Golf Outing Raises $36,000
This year’s event raised $36,000 for the Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics (FAST), directly supporting groundbreaking Angelman syndrome research. With this incredible show of support, Joe Bologna’s Charity Golf Outing continues to fuel scientific progress and accelerate the search for treatments and a cure.
Driving Hope Through Angelman Syndrome Research
The funds raised are helping support Angelman syndrome research, ensuring that families like Sutton’s have real hope for meaningful treatments in the future.
For Sutton’s family, the hopes for her future are filled with possibility: more independence, greater opportunities, and one day hearing her voice. As her siblings dream of playing soccer or fishing with her, the family holds tightly to the belief that with continued fundraising and research, those dreams can come true.
The Sutton Strong community proves what is possible when families and friends unite with a shared purpose: bringing the dream of meaningful treatments and a cure closer to reality.