First Tee of Coachella Valley youth member with cancer has special day at American Express
Alex Yang, who turns 17 later this month, was diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer nearly a year ago.
On Sunday, for the final round of the 66th edition of the American Express, Alex was awarded the opportunity to be the standard bearer for the final group of Sepp Straka, Jason Day and Charley Hoffman.
Today, we’re honored to have Alex Yang at The American Express as a Standard Bearer on Championship Sunday
— The American Express ® (@theamexgolf) January 19, 2025pic.twitter.com/rLMYUyG8dh
"It was amazing. I got to see the pros up close, and it was just astonishing to see their skill. It was just superb," said Alex Yang.
Alex has T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, which is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that affects white blood cells. This condition is a sub-type of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, which is the most common type of cancer in children.
It was a great week at @theamexgolf but all I can think about after Sunday's final round is Alex Yang. Turning 17 this month, Alex was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer nearly a year ago. It's been a long journey for him and his family but they continue to fight. @KESQ pic.twitter.com/APcSWLQLAn
— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) January 20, 2025
"He went through a very tough chemo treatment for the last 11 months, but he's a tough kid, strong kid, finally in the maintenance stage where he finally got to go back to school at Palm Desert High School," said Gene Yang, Alex's father.
Alex is currently in maintenance but treatment is estimated to continue for three years.
The family says he will still make ER visits for fevers and other side effect symptoms. They say their trips to the clinic will range from 1-6 times per month.
A handshake between champions
— The American Express ® (@theamexgolf) January 20, 2025
Sepp Straka and Alex Yang, inspiring us all
"His journey is still not finished, but it's been a great day and just want to send a message out to people, families, kids that are going through something similar that we're going through, there's always hope," said Gene Yang.
