Hope on the Fairway: A Community Rallies Behind Grant Tiffany Pressler
A sold-out tournament at the San Vicente Golf Resort brought friends, family, neighbors, and local businesses together in an extraordinary show of support for 10-year-old Grant Carlson as he battles T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.
In a powerful display of Ramona’s community support, friends, family, neighbors, local businesses, and golfers filled a sold-out tournament at the San Vicente Resort last Friday to help the parents of 10-year-old Grant Carlson as he fights T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia after being diagnosed in July 2024. What began as a simple idea quickly grew into a sold-out tournament of 144 players, including a bagged lunch, and a catered banquet dinner and awards event, proving that when a child is facing the unimaginable, this community rises without hesitation.
$XX was raised to help the family. But the greatest gift that day was the hope and healing poured into Grant’s fight.
Grant was unable to attend the tournament due to his weakened immune system and ongoing infections, but his family stood proudly in his place. His mom, Jessica Carlson; her husband and Grant’s stepdad, Carl Petersen; Grant’s dad, Damien Carlson; his grandmother, Tammy Carlson; and his stepbrother, James Petersen, all attended and were deeply grateful for the community’s incredible support.
Jessica Carlson knew rain was forecast on tournament day and stayed committed to moving forward, rain or shine, encouraged by a local golfer who shared that some of their best rounds had been played in the rain. Volunteers committed. The San Vicente Resort Golf and Catering Teams committed. Sponsors committed. And every golfer who signed up committed to playing, rain or shine.
When asked about the rain forecast before the tournament began, Grant’s stepbrother James Petersen said, “We’re believing it’s not going to rain, and if it does, then we will continue to play.” His optimism was shared by everyone, and I think I was the only one who brought an umbrella just in case.
Petersen set the tone for play that day, as he stood proudly in his bright orange Flintstone golf shirt. “We are all wearing orange because orange is Grant’s ribbon color,” he said, sharing how deeply the turnout touched their family. With his grandfather recently passing from cancer, seeing so many people rally behind his little brother “really hit home.” James also spoke with pride about the unity between Grant’s dad, Damien, and mom, Jessica, saying they have “one of the best divorced couple relationships,” fully supporting each other through Grant’s journey.
Grant loves golfing with both his dad and stepdad, practicing on the small green and net at home as part of his physical therapy to rebuild strength. And while he could not be there in person, his presence was felt throughout the entire event, from player check-in and lunch to warm-ups on the range, to the sale of raffle tickets and fundraising merchandise.
When everyone gathered on the putting green to hear Jessica’s heartfelt and inspiring speech, it was clear that Grant was at the center of every moment. As golfers headed to their carts and drove to their starting holes, they carried Grant with them in spirit, in purpose, and in every swing taken in his honor. Great, good, and not-so-great golfers played, laughed, and enjoyed the day.
That spirit of support knit together all who played. Jennifer Rodriguez, SDCE resident and San Vicente Golf member, learned about Grant’s diagnosis on Facebook and instantly knew she wanted to help. “I went to high school with Carl,” she said, explaining that she came simply to show up for the family. She played alongside her friend, Michelle Denny, who shared, “It feels good to be out here to support him. It’s hard to find ways to support them,” and was grateful for the chance to be part of the day.
Jake Graham, a long-term friend of Carl and Jessica, arrived ready to play and give back. “I just want to support Jessica and do what I can,” he said. His teammate, Nick Weissmann, took the day off work and drove in from downtown San Diego because supporting Grant was a priority. “It’s a fun atmosphere and a lot of people know each other,” he said, reflecting on the strong sense of community.
Local businesses also stepped up in force, starting on Hole One with Mountain Valley Ranch and continuing all around the course. At the ADMA tent, golfers tested their strength in a pull-up contest, and owner Anthony Abbott, who played in the tournament, summed up the event simply: “It’s a big family.”
Grant’s grandmother, Tammy Carlson, watched the full field with pride from her sign-up booth station. “It was a sellout and it’s great,” she said. “It means the world to have all these people behind him.”
It did not rain on the course, and golfers later filled the San Vicente Room for a catered Italian-inspired banquet dinner. The room was beautifully arranged with an array of silent auction items, adding excitement and generosity to the evening.
Mom Jessica took a moment to recognize the community’s overwhelming support, thanking everyone for their commitment to her family and to Grant’s fight before announcing the tournament, ADMA contest, and silent auction winners. [Tiffany – names golf? – Any notable BIG item auction winners?]
The funds raised from the event will be used for adaptive resources to support Grant’s recovery, as well as ongoing treatment and care costs.
To contribute directly to Grant’s journey, donations can be made through the GoFundMe page: Support Grant Through His T-ALL Battle.
Tournament organizers Ashley Adams and Skip Adams coordinated the GoFundMe page on behalf of Jessica Carlson and Damien Carlson.
Photos by Heather McGhee.
