Wife of late golf pro Julian to be honored
By Christopher Rocchio/ Daily News Staff
Friday, September 1, 2006 - Updated: 02:49 AM EST

NEWTON -- Before Kim Julian’s husband Jeff succumbed to ALS in July 2004, she promised him that she would continue raising money to aid research of the disease through their charity, Driving 4 Life.

Since it was founded in 2003, Driving 4 Life has raised $4.2 million for research into Lou Gehrig’s disease, and this weekend Julian will be honored at the Deutsche Bank Championship in Norton for her efforts.

"Driving 4 Life made such a positive impact in ALS research, it’s now a passion of mine," said the Newton resident. "It’s not about Jeff anymore. It’s about those diagnosed with ALS today and those that will be diagnosed tomorrow."



For her contributions to ALS research, Julian will be honored with 350 other people from across the state in the first annual Friends of the Fairway program, which was created by the Massachusetts State Lottery in partnership with the Deutsche Bank Championship, this week’s Professional Golf Association tour stop, in Norton. The goal of the program is to recognize extraordinary people throughout the state who have contributed to their community through golf and sport.

"I’m looking forward to meeting new people at the event and really getting involved with what they’re doing," said Julian. "I think Friends of the Fairway is fabulous. There are a lot of people out there contributing to society and making positive changes, and it’s nice for them to be recognized."

Jeff was diagnosed with ALS during his 2001 season on the tour. Kim said a year after that, PGA member Tom Watson’s caddy Bruce Edwards, the couple’s friend, was also diagnosed. Edwards and Jeff died within four months of each other in 2004.

"The charity had already been in place, but (Edwards’ wife Marsha) and I wanted to do something other than spread awareness about ALS," said Julian. "We searched for a worthy recipient of charitable contributions, and that’s how we found the ALS Therapy Development Foundation in Cambridge."

Julian said Driving 4 Life decided to develop a fund-raising campaign that would actually allow other ALS patients and their family members to contribute to ALS research through the game of golf. Currently, Driving 4 Life annually partakes in approximately 40 golfing events nationwide, as well as eight "signature series" events, which are organized by three members of the Driving 4 Life campaign.

Julian was nominated to be a member of Friends of the Fairway by John Minick, president of the Boston Golf Club.

"When I learned about Friends of the Fairway, (Julian) immediately came to mind," said Minick in a press release. "She has dedicated her life to ALS research and support, and her energy has made Driving 4 Life a nationwide resource for people affected by ALS."

Julian said she was surprised and honored to receive the recognition.

"I have a lot of respect for (Minick), so it was quite a compliment to be nominated by him," she said.

Julian said Driving 4 Life’s efforts will continue to benefit ALS research in Cambridge for the foreseeable future.

"We’ve made a tremendous impact on people’s lives," said Julian. "We hope to continue to make a difference by growing the charity and raising more and more."

For more information on Driving 4 Life, visit www.driving4life.org.

Christopher Rocchio can be reached at 781-398-8009 or crocchio@cnc.com.

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http://www.driving4life.org/d4l/default.asp