Golfers link up to help toddler

Two-year-old Isaac Ownby was born with four kidneys, has endured several surgeries and likely will need more.

His mother, Elizabeth Cash, said the family often travels from their home in Ridge Manor, just over the Hernando County line, to All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg for tests and procedures.

The surgeries, including one to fix a hernia that forced a portion of his stomach into his lung cavity, and constant visits to doctors have depleted the family's savings.

"It costs the crap out of us," Cash said. "I lost my car. My credit's shot, and we aren't applicable for Medicaid."

On Sept. 12, a benefit for Isaac will be held at Triple-S Golf Ranch on U.S. 301 in Dade City. Four-person teams can compete for cash prizes. There also will be putting and driving contests. A dinner will be held afterward at the Loyal Order of Moose Lodges, 17107 U.S. 301, south of the Triple-S course.

"He's just this cute little guy that needs financial help for his surgeries," said Nancy Smith, general manager at Triple-S. "We've had quite a few hole sponsors who have donated $50 per hole, and quite a few have said that they'll play. We're hoping for 20 or so teams."

Kidney reflux, in which urine is pushed back into the kidney, is one of Isaac's issues, and the boy needs constant antibiotics to prevent infection. There also is fluid around his kidneys.

As for the extra kidneys, it's not yet clear how well the organs will function, Cash said.

"The ureters are going everywhere, wherever they want to," his mother said. "They're going to have to straighten out the plumbing and test the kidneys to see if they can keep them."

Isaac's father is Johnathon Ownby.

TOURNAMENT

WHAT: A fundraiser for the family of 2-year-old Isaac Ownby, who has endured several surgeries and needs more.

WHERE: Triple-S Golf Ranch, 17751 U.S. 301, Dade City

WHEN: Sept. 12; registration is at 8 a.m., with tee time at 9 a.m.

COST: $200 per four-person team; cost includes golf, a cart, prizes and dinner

INFORMATION: Call Triple-S Golf Ranch at (352) 567-6622

Donations for Isaac Ownby can be made at Centerstate Bank, 14045 Seventh St., Dade City. Make checks payable to the Isaac Ownby Benefit Fund.

BENEFIT FUND

Donations for Isaac Ownby can be made at Centerstate Bank, 14045 Seventh St., Dade City. Make checks payable to the Isaac Ownby Benefit Fund.