An upcoming golf tournament will help defray massive medical and ongoing care and therapy costs for a shooting victim whose survival doctors termed “a miracle.”
Appropriately named the “Strong Will Golf Tournament,” the event is now in its third year and offers an afternoon of fun, food, drink, golf and camaraderie as Will Barton continues his recovery after being shot three times in October of 2012 in a senseless attack. The shooter, a crazed criminal on a multi-state crime spree, was killed several days later in a gun battle with San Diego Police.
Both golfers and non-golfers are invited to participate in the celebration to be held Sept. 22 at The Loma Club in Liberty Station at 2960 Truxton Road.
The event is an evening affair, running from 7 to 10:30 p.m. with twilight glow golf followed by food, drinks and music.
Check-in for golfers is at 6:15 p.m. with a shotgun start at 7.
The “after-glow” party gets underway at 8:30 p.m. on the patio at the historic course and includes live music, an open bar with wine, beer and well drinks, appetizers and both silent and live auctions.
Fees for golfers are $120 for individuals or $400 per foursome and include both the golf tournament and after-party.
Those wishing to attend only the after-party will pay $80.
Tickets can be purchased in advance by searching for “Will Barton” at eventbrite.com.
Barton, a Point Loma High alumni (2010), was shot in the head, neck and arm by the gunman. Left to die in the middle of the night on a Balboa Park area street, paramedics were able to get him to a hospital where a neurosurgeon’s assessment gave him less than a 1 percent chance of survival.
After months of hospital and rehabilitation services, Barton’s insurance company forced him to leave such care. His mother and stepfather then remodeled their Bankers Hill home to accommodate him.
Years of therapy have continued as parts of Barton’s body continue to regain function. He was able to live independently again with the assistance of a caretaker and they used benches on the Ocean Beach Pier to measure Barton’s returning ability to walk.
His current effort involves regaining the use of mobility and dexterity in one of his hands. Last week, he was able to pick up a glass and drink from it, something taken for granted by others.
He is currently working with the local Challenger Center and receiving physical therapy services and support as he continues to improve the quality of his life. The golf tournament’s goal is to offset the costs of his three times per week sessions.
Barton testified in court in 2013 against the shooter’s girlfriend and accomplice who was sentenced to 10 years in prison. He also received the San Diego County District Attorney’s office 2015 Citizens of Courage Award.