Willie Colon Unites Sports Leaders to Drive Lupus Research Forward at Annual Golf Event

The 12th Annual Willie Colon Golf Outing, held on June 23, 2026, in Summit, New Jersey, brought together sports celebrities, sponsors, and golf enthusiasts to support a pressing cause: lupus research. Willie Colon, retired NFL Super Bowl Champion and current sports analyst, led this heartwarming initiative to honor the memory of his mother, Jean Davis, who lost her battle with lupus, a life-altering autoimmune disease.

Since its inception, this annual event has raised an impressive $3.28 million for the Lupus Research Alliance (LRA), the largest private supporter of lupus research globally. Over 300 passionate golfers participated this year, drawn by the significance of the cause and the presence of notable sports figures.

Colon’s commitment to the lupus community can be traced back to his childhood when he witnessed the struggles his mother faced due to the disease, during a time when treatment options were limited. His heartfelt remarks during the event conveyed the personal connection he has to this mission. "She and our family partnered with the Lupus Research Alliance to raise awareness and funding for this devastating disease. While no longer with us, my mom would have been so proud to see the treatments that research has helped deliver, and the advances getting us closer to a cure," said Colon.

The event featured a star-studded lineup of sports personalities, including Oday Aboushi from the Los Angeles Rams, former New York Jets players David Harris and Quincy Enwau, and New York Giants’ Amani Toomer. Their collective participation not only raised funds but significantly increased awareness about lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease that affects millions globally, primarily women between the ages of 15 and 45.

The golf outing ended with a formal dinner and tribute ceremony where Colon expressed gratitude to various figures integral to the event’s success, including chairs Xavier V. Goss, Ted Knauss, Nidhi Patel, and Julius D. Williams. Their backing, alongside primary sponsors like Tunnels to Towers and Morgan Stanley, showcased a united effort in the fight against lupus.

Albert T. Roy, the President and CEO of the LRA, commended Colon's lifelong commitment to raising awareness about lupus and also acknowledged the attendees and sponsors. "For more than a decade, this outing has been a signature event for the LRA in raising critical awareness of lupus and the necessary funds for research aimed at curative treatments," he said.

Lupus remains a complex autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks its own organs, affecting the kidneys, brain, heart, and more. With a significant percentage of affected individuals belonging to marginalized communities, the need for focused research and equitable treatment options is more pressing than ever.

The Lupus Research Alliance stands at the forefront of this battle, championing innovative research projects that seek to improve diagnostic measures and treatment options for lupus. The organization’s pioneering efforts are complemented by a unique model where all administrative costs are covered by the Board of Directors, ensuring that every dollar raised directly supports lupus research initiatives.

As the event closed, attendees were encouraged to continue their support for lupus research through various means, including donations and participation in future events. The importance of raising awareness, not only about lupus but also the necessity for more research funding, was highlighted, ensuring that Colon’s mother’s fight remains not only a personal memory but a beacon of hope for millions.

In a world where chronic illnesses affect countless lives, the annual Willie Colon Golf Outing serves as a crucial reminder of the power of community, the importance of support, and the ongoing journey towards a world in which lupus and its challenges can be understood and eventually overcome.

For more information on lupus, to contribute, or to get involved in advocacy, visit the Lupus Research Alliance's website at LupusResearch.org.