Volunteers, Community Boost Local Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Golf Tournament

SCARSDALE, N.Y. — April 17, 2025 — In 1955, the Robert Roesler de Villers Foundation reported that leukemia was unique among diseases because it was universally fatal. In response, the Foundation invested $1.8 billion in the search for a cure, eventually expanding into a national organization of local chapters — now known as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).

The National organization focuses on accelerating blood cancer research, providing free support and services, and advocating for policies to ensure leukemia and lymphoma patients have access to quality care. At the local level, dedicated volunteers provide support to patients and their families as they fight blood cancer. For volunteers like Ross Prussin, the battle against cancer is personal.

“Like many people, cancer has impacted my friends and family, and the cause is deeply personal to me,” Prussin said. “My personal goal is quite simple: I want the employees of LLS to have to find other jobs helping cure a different disease.”

Prussin volunteers with LLS’ Westchester-Hudson Valley chapter located in the suburbs north of New York City. He also co-chairs the chapter’s major fundraising event, The Applied Underwriters Invitational, along with Scott Zemachson, another volunteer.

“The goal of the Applied Underwriters Invitational has always been about bringing like-minded people in the community together to raise funds so we can fund blood cancer research and eventually find a cure,” Prussin said. “Oh, and by the way, you get to play one of the top courses in the United States at the same time.”

This year’s Applied Invitational will be held at Quaker Ridge Golf Club in Scarsdale — one of Golf Digest’s 100 Greatest Courses — on April 28.

In 2024, the Westchester and Hudson Valley LLS helped thousands of leukemia and lymphoma patients and their families with their community-based services. They also provided over $950,000 in medical copay assistance and another $44,000 in direct emergency financial assistance.

“All dollars raised, no matter the size, can help combat this nasty disease. No amount is too small as pennies, nickels, and dimes equal quarters and dollars,” Zemachson said.

Beyond financial assistance, the chapter also provides nutritional consultations, educational and informational resources and events, clinical trial support, and peer support. All told, the Westchester and Hudson Valley LLS impacted hundreds of local area patients and families in 2024.

“Cancer does not discriminate,” Zemachson said. “This cause is near and dear to my heart as I lost my mom when she was 39 years old, when my brother and I were 8 and 10, respectively.”

The tournament at Quaker Ridge Golf Club is part of the Applied Underwriters Invitational’s program of more than 80 tournaments played nationwide to raise funds for national and local charities across the U.S. The winners of each event this season have the opportunity to compete at the Applied Underwriters Invitational National Finals in May at the prestigious Whistling Straits in Kohler, WI.

“The Applied Underwriters Invitational acts as a powerful nexus, bringing together a remarkable group of dedicated golfers, generous donors, and committed sponsors and volunteers," Jamie Sahara, Founder and President of Applied Underwriters, said. "This isn't just about staging a tournament; each swing and every contribution makes an impact and a significant difference within our communities."

The Westchester and Hudson Valley LLS is still seeking local sponsorships at all levels. To become a sponsor, register a foursome, or volunteer for the event, contact Diana Skrelja at diana.skrelja@lls.org.