Tennis Legend Visits Hingham, Donates To Cancer Survivors

Former World No. 1 professional tennis player Chris Evert was in Hingham Tuesday morning to present the SAMFund a $5,000 check for young adults recovering from the financial impact of cancer treatment.

The SamFund was created by Westwood resident Samantha Watson, an 11 year cancer survivor who was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma cancer when she was 21 years-old.  Watson created the SamFund as a way of giving back to cancer survivors. While battling cancer, Watson said she had the support of so many friends and family, and she wanted to reciprocate that support to other cancer patients.

On Tuesday, Watson and the SamFund were presented their prize for winning Hood Simply Smart Milk’s “Make a Difference, Taste a Difference” contest.  The SamFund was awarded $5,000 by Evert, who is a Hood Simply Smart Milk spokeswoman. In addition to the check, Evert donated $5,000 of her own money because she was inspired by Watson’s organization.

“When I heard Sam’s story, I was shell shocked,” Evert said.  “Life is really not just about materialistic things, it’s about health. This money will not just help women financially, but also mentally and emotionally."

Watson said the money would be used to assist recent cancer survivors pay for items such as groceries, rent, and even gym memberships.

“It’s such an honor to be receiving this award from you and just being in the same room as you,” Watson said to Evert.

The event also had a  raffle where proceeds benefitted the SamFund.  About 10-15 of Evert’s fans, some of whom brought tennis rackets to be signed , came from all over the Boston area to meet and greet Evert.

Watson held the event at the Black Rock Country Club because she has family in town and enjoys the Hingham country club.

To donate to the SamFund and to learn more about the organization, visit www.thesamfund.org.