Golf champion to lead Sanford Children’s International Board

Andy North knows firsthand what it’s like to be a child challenged with an illness. In seventh grade, a bone disease forced him onto crutches for two years, limiting his ability to play the physical, contact sports he loved. But his physician allowed him to learn golf, as long as he rode in a cart.
“I thought my life was over,” said North. “Instead, this childhood illness was a perfect life learning lesson which eventually led to a wonderful career.”

North went on to become a champion, winning the U.S. Open twice. Today, he’s a successful golf commentator. He intends to use his personal experiences and his connections to help develop the newly formed Sanford Children’s International Board (SCIB). Members of the SCIB will include national and international leaders whose experience and relationships make them effective advocates for children’s healthcare. In addition to assisting in the development of Sanford Children’s World Clinics, the SCIB will support the clinical and educational outreach activities of the Sanford Children’s Hospital and the Sanford Children’s Health Research Center.

“The SCIB is a unique opportunity to truly make a difference in the lives of children,” stated North. “This new advocacy board will inform and involve other leaders and children’s health champions. I’m honored to participate and look forward to sharing the Sanford Children’s story with others around the world.”

International medical reporter/anchor Dr. Bob Arnot, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International representative Dr. S. Robert Levine and gold medal swimmer Gary Hall Jr. have also committed to the SCIB. The SCIB will hold regular annual meetings with discussions and updates about Sanford Children’s, as well as host other special events at various locations around the world.

Posted In News, World Clinic