Employees at The University of Toledo are organizing a golf outing to pay tribute to a late colleague, longtime nurse educator Jackie Ayers.
Ayers
This event is coordinated by UT retiree Kathy McVicker and Sherry Andrews, director of the Center for Creative Instruction.
“Jackie was one of those people you simply don’t forget,” said Andrews, who was partners with Ayers in a UT women’s golf league. “We will remember her by participating in one of her favorite pastimes on her birthday.”
Ayers was a nurse, alumna and retired faculty member of the former Medical College of Ohio who lost her battle with breast cancer in March. She also owned a health-care business and was an avid community volunteer, serving as a board member for Hospice of Northwest Ohio and the Zepf Center, and as a disaster worker for the American Red Cross and a docent at the Toledo Museum of Art.
“I found Jackie witty, articulate, direct and open in her communication with faculty and with her students,” said Nancy Brown-Schott, UT assistant professor of nursing. “From her experience and expertise, she was able to provide insight and add to the community health nursing curriculum.”
After her second cancer diagnosis, Ayers became involved with the Metastatic Breast Cancer Support Group at the UT Cancer Center.
“Jackie was an advocate for patients and was willing to continue that even during her own cancer journey,” said Janelle Tipton, UTMC oncology clinical nurse and co-facilitator for the cancer support group. “She knew that education and support were valuable to many patients with metastatic breast cancer and was willing to support this cause through our efforts with the support group.
“Women with metastatic breast cancer have a different perspective and often different goals than those who have early stage breast cancer. Jackie understood that and helped others see that by living her life to the fullest while she was here.”
The Wacky Jackie Golf Benefit is open to the community. Registration is $75 per person and includes 18 holes of golf with a cart, boxed lunch, drink tickets, a golfer’s gift bag and awards dinner in the Valleywood Clubhouse.
Registrations will be accepted here until the day of the event.
