Phinney Strong golf tournament to help former Morinville resident

by Stephen Dafoe

Proceeds from an upcoming golf tournament will help cover medical and other costs for a former Morinville resident who suffered a serious injury in December of 2014. The event takes place Aug. 29 at 2 p.m. at the Edmonton Garrison Memorial Golf Course.

Tyler Phinney was taken to the hospital Dec. 31, 2014, with some back pain. After being seen and sent home, Phinney awoke the next day, got up, and collapsed. An infection in the spinal column caused him to lose the use of his legs. Emergency spinal surgery got the infection and some of the bones, and although he has come a long way over the last year in being able to lift his legs, Phinney is still unable to walk. He has every hope and confidence that he will do so again.

“He’s been in the hospital seven months now,” said mother Donna Phinney, one of the organizers of the Aug. 29 fundraising tournament. “He’s 35, married, and couldn’t go back to his home in St. Albert. He had to sell his home. We purchased a house in Leduc because that was the only house we could find that would suit his wheelchair and bariatric bed.

Mrs. Phinney said Tyler had just started at a new job in refrigeration when the injury occurred. As such, he has no medical benefits to assist him in his time of need.

Organizers have lined up some sponsors already and are anticipating 144 golfers hitting the course in aid of Phinney. Ninety-six golfers are registered for the shotgun start event already.

The cost of the tournament is $100 and includes 18 holes of golf, power cart, and a steak dinner. Edmonton Golf Club members pay $70. To register, contact Keven Phinney at 780-232-6408 or by email at phinneyke@shaw.ca.