Overbrook’s Fuga, 24, dies after long battle with leukemiaOverbrook Golf Club’s Christopher Fuga, a frequent Golf Association of Philadelphia competitor and reigning BMW Philadelphia Amateur semifinalist, died today due to complications in his fight against leukemia. He was 24.
Doctors diagnosed Fuga with acute myeloid leukemia in May 2014. While competing in a U.S. Open Local Qualifier at Laurel Creek Country Club that year, he felt his body shut down. Fuga lost feeling in his extremities, became lightheaded and almost fainted. He withdrew a few holes later. In August 2014, Fuga received the necessary bone marrow transplant and embarked on a road to recovery. He gradually regained his strength and returned to the golf course earlier this year. Oscar Mestre, a GAP Executive Committee member and Overbrook member, noticed Fuga’s competitive potential and invited the Phoenixville, Pa. resident to gain membership under the club’s President’s Pick scholarship. Fuga represented Overbrook during the BMW GAP Team Matches and BMW Philadelphia Amateur Championship. In the latter, he advanced to the semifinals, where he fell to eventual champion Cole Berman of Philadelphia Cricket Club, 2&1. Fuga, dealing with fatigue and headaches throughout the contest, went to the hospital afterward. There, doctors informed Fuga that his leukemia returned. He battled the disease since. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral divine liturgy in St Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, 301 Fairview Street, Phoenixville, Pa. on Thursday, Nov. 5 at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery. A viewing will be held at the Devlin Rosmos Kepp & Gatcha Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 517 S. Main Street, Phoenixville, Pa. on Wednesday, Nov. 4 from 4 to 9 p.m. and on Thursday from 9 to 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Temple Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Friends Hall Physicians Building, 7604 Central Avenue, Lower Level, Philadelphia, PA 19111-2422. Please earmark the contribution for Support Research for Leukemia and Bone Marrow Transplant. The Association extends its deepest condolences and sympathies to the Fuga family. In addition to a BMW Philadelphia Amateur semifinalist credit, Fuga earned co-runner-up honors in the 2012 Joseph H. Patterson Cup. He carded a 3-under-par 68 in the opening round of the rain-shortened event. The Golf Association of Philadelphia Magazine named Fuga a Player to Watch that year.
Golf Association of Philadelphia
|
A Walk Through Time
GAP is the oldest state or regional golf association in the country. It started courtesy of a friendly competition – the Team Matches – and has grown into the preeminent golf association in the country. Along the way, golf history has been made.
