On August 29, 2024, Today’s Junior Golfer (TJG) held its first “Dream Day” at PopStroke in Glendale, Arizona, with 8th grader Kayd Hintz and his family. PopStroke, a Tiger Woods-owned 36-hole mini-golf and food experience, was the perfect venue for this special occasion. Today’s Junior Golfer’s mission of “supporting and highlighting” junior golfers includes creating a unique day for a golfer in need. The goal of a Dream Day—much like a Make-a-Wish Day—is to provide a fun event for an at-risk youth golfer and their family, putting smiles on their faces. Hopefully everyone involved laughs often and leaves with a greater appreciation for life.
Kayd was chosen because of his prior involvement and deep love for golf. As a USKids Phoenix Tour youth golfer, he was first diagnosed with cancer in 2021, and in March 2024, he received the devastating news that his condition was terminal. The effects of the disease have since hindered his ability to continue playing.
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month! Who better to support with a Dream Day than Kayd and his family? And what better place to host it than Tiger Woods’ PopStroke?
TJG: Justin and Kelly, can you share a little bit about Kayd’s story?
Justin & Kelly: Kayd was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma Grade 2 brain cancer, along with a genetic mutation called Li-Fraumeni Syndrome, in January 2021. Since then, he has undergone radiation, chemotherapy, physical and occupational therapy, and has had a feeding tube. He's experienced nausea, vomiting, weight loss, daily chemo pills, and has spent countless days at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. By the grace of God, his treatment seems to be effective, and we pray daily to rid him of this disease entirely. Seeing the pain and heartbreak in my son’s eyes is devastating. Finding out Kayd was terminal was the worst news a parent could hear. It felt like all the air was sucked from my lungs, and I saw his life flash before my eyes—heartbroken over all the milestones he might not experience.
TJG: What are some things Kayd enjoys?
Justin & Kelly: As you know, Kayd played a few years of USKids golf in the Phoenix area before his body could no longer handle the physicality and heat of outdoor golf. Additionally, Kayd loves playing on his PC, skating, building Legos, hanging out with friends, swimming, golfing when the weather permits, and catching up on much-needed sleep.
TJG: What makes Kayd smile?
Justin & Kelly: Kayd’s smile is absolutely contagious! A few things that light him up are riding his favorite ride at Disneyland (Space Mountain), playing with his friends, eating pizza (his absolute favorite), and, on occasion, hanging out with his little sister.
TJG: What did our night at PopStroke mean to Kayd?
Justin & Kelly: Our night out at PopStroke meant so much to our family—thank you again! It was wonderful to get out, but more importantly, it was incredible to see Kayd having such a great time with friends. It allowed him to “be a kid” again and take his mind off everything else he’s been challenged with. We are so grateful to everyone at Today’s Junior Golfer for the evening out. What your organization stands for is amazing!
It's also worth noting that Justin has been off work since March 2024 to be home with Kayd and the rest of the family. If you’d like to support Kayd and his family in their battle, please click on their GoFundMe link to read more about Kayd’s story and donate. Every dollar makes a difference!
Kayd’s Bucket List:
✅ - Disneyland
✅ - Universal Studios
✅ - The Beach
✅ - Camping and Fishing
✅ - Sworn in as an honorary Police Officer – Surprise, AZ PD
✅ - Lego Land
✅ - The Great Wolf Lodge
✅ - PopStroke with family and friends
✅ - Honorary PA announcer at the AZ Diamondbacks vs LA Dodgers game
❓ - Waste Management Golf Tournament, Scottsdale, AZ
❓ - Hawaii
❓ -
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month! Please support Kayd today, and don’t forget to hug your children a little tighter! ❤️
-TJG
Kayd's GoFundMe Link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/kayds-bucket-list-wishes?lang=en_US&utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link
