This will serve as the official notice that the 19th Annual Vic Braden Queen of Hearts Charity Tennis Tournament is canceled for 2022. This was an agonizing decision. Over the past 20 years, we have raised over 2.5 million dollars for ovarian cancer research and awareness, and we will continue our mission to find that elusive early detection test and hopefully a cure, for this insidious disease. Our decision to cancel was not done without considerable thought and consultation with the Queen of Hearts Board and other local tennis players. We are confident that we would have a similar draw as other years in size. The decision to cancel was based on the time and effort it takes from the tournament director/tennis committee and increasing tournament costs. We are hopeful that the tournament will continue in future years. For those looking at how successful the Vic Braden Queen of Hearts Tournament is every year, I wanted to address a few issues that most players do not understand. The tennis committee has been running charity events and regular tennis events for over 35 years. The committee does not get paid to run these tournaments. For those involved that is not an issue, but after you look at the time invested to help make a first-class event, there comes a time when someone else will need to pick up the gauntlet and run these events. Personally, I have looked for someone to take up the role of Tournament Director to no avail. I understand the time commitment and the time involved and it's not possible for some people to take on that role. For instance, I have not been home on Labor Day for over 30 years (except the 2020 Covid year). Tennis is in an odd place now. Fewer private clubs, fewer entries (the CHOC Tournament regularly had 1000+ people with one event topping over 1600), people quitting to playing pickleball, court costs, ball costs, a smaller sponsor pool (they are asked by everyone for dollars), and apathy of players to step in and run events. Changes happen in every sport, but as someone who has a passion for tennis (this will be my 27th year coaching high school tennis) I find it disheartening. We want to apologize for the cancellation, and I truly appreciate all those who have played, donated, and volunteered over the years. You have directly saved women’s lives. If you have any questions, feel free to call me anytime. (fb)

Are you aware of some of the possible signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer? Make sure to know your body, know the signs AND see your doctor! #tealtuesday #ovariancancerawareness #ovariancancersigns #awareness #ovariancancer #theqohfoundation (fb)