Inaugural Stanford International Pro-Am Winner A Remarkable Story in Determination And the Powerful Impact of St. Jude Children's Researc...( AVENTURA Fla. April 27 /- There a...),Health

AVENTURA, Fla., April 27 /PRNewswire/ -- There are many, many special moments that happen every day at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital(R), but every once in a while there is a moment that is a testament to the life-changing work of the hospital and the perseverance and determination of their young patients. Those associated with the hospital refer to these experiences as a "St. Jude moment".

Everyone at the inaugural Stanford International Pro-Am in Aventura, Florida was able to witness just such a moment yesterday.

Twenty-three year-old Aaron Theobald, a talented young golfer who was participating in the Pro-Am as a guest of Stanford Financial Group, won the inaugural Pro-Am with his professional partner Beth Bader with a score of 25-under par. For many of the fans watching, this wouldn't seem out of the ordinary, but when they learn of Aaron's story, they fully understand the meaning of a "St. Jude moment".

When Aaron was 16 years old, he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the most common form of cancer in children. His doctor advised Aaron and his family, who live in Bloomington, Illinois, to seek treatment at St.Jude, the premier pediatric cancer research center.

At St. Jude, Aaron endured a two-and-a-half-year chemotherapy protocol, as well as two hip transplants to his right hip to offset joint deterioration.

Now 23 years old, Aaron is a 10-handicap in golf and he showed the world, including Bader, the meaning of the word determination and just why St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is a place of miracles for thousands of children and their families.

"To hear Aaron's story, and how he's battled what he's battled at such a young age, I mean, it obviously touched me and still touches me," said Bader yesterday after their final round. "It was a pleasure and an inspiration playing with him."

One of the most exciting moments of the Pro-Am tournament came yesterday on Theobald's final hol
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