Submitted Photo: Zach Thompson

A local family wants to help others after their own son’s battle with juvenile arthritis.

Zach Thompson was first diagnosed with growing pains when he was 10 years old, but after being referred to a specialist, they discovered what he was actually dealing with was arthritis.

The family has organized a golf tournament as a way to give back to the Arthritis Society, and help other families going through the same ordeal.

“Zach loves golf, I love golf, but we haven’t been able to do a scramble together. So we were talking and we decided we would put a tournament together where there’s one kid and one adult in a scramble format so we can raise awareness and funds for juvenile arthritis,” Thompson says.

Zach’s dad Scott says there are lots of opportunities to play.

“We actually got a phone call from some guys that they don’t have any kids, but they want to golf, but they need to find some kids. And they’re willing to pay for the whole tournament. So if there are kids out there that don’t have an adult to golf with, get in contact with us and we’ll hook you up with a free tournament,” says Thompson.

The tournament is being held this coming Sunday at the Links of Kent in Chatham.

You can find more information about the tournament by clicking here.