Michiana golf tournament raising money for cancer research

EAU CLAIRE, Mich. -- A charity golf tournament in Michiana is raising money for cancer patients and their families. 

More than 400 golfers participated in the 36th annual Brian Parker Memorial Golf Tournament. All of the money raised will be donated to the Brian Parker Memorial Foundation, a nonprofit organization created in honor of Brian Parker, a Niles teen who passed away from cancer. 

Parker died in July 1980 at the age of 14 after a 16-month battle with leukemia. Brian's parents, Rich and Judy Parker, described Brian as a fun-loving kid with a kind heart. 

Since the Brian Parker Memorial Foundation was founded, its raised money for cancer research and helped more than 50 families affected by cancer by covering the costs outside of treatment like paying for rent and groceries. 

“These are the people that bring us back to reality, that we still need some help," said Judy Parker. "You know, we can’t stop now.”

The Parkers said they received lots of support during Brian's battle so this is their way of giving back.

"Because I remember how I could be out there and not have to worry because we had so much support," said Judy Parker. "So if we could just help them ease that, their thinking about the cancer... it’s ok with me."

While they're not 100 percent sure, the Parkers believe this is the oldest running golf charity tournament in Michigan. 

For more information on the Brian Parker Memorial Foundation, click here.