Member of 2001 Panther State Champion Basketball Team Afflicted With Rare Von Hippel Lindau Disease

Pinckneyville native Jason Houghland was diagnosed with Von Hippel Lindau disease in 2008. This rare genetic disorder predisposes individuals to benign and malignant tumors. The objective is to treat the growths when they start causing symptoms or when they are still small. Some of Hougland's tumors are in his kidneys and those are a low grade cancer.

Hougland was sent to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota for medical care. He is being treated by a team of physicians which include ophthalmology, neurology, gastroenterology, and nephrology. His medical condition requires monitoring at least every six months. He has already experienced several major procedures/surgeries on his kidneys, multiple CT scans, and MRIs. Although Houghland has medical insurance which covers 80% of the cost of treatment, the remaining cost is mounting. Friends and family of Houghland have come together to host a golf scramble to assist with his medical expenses.

On Saturday, Nov. 3 Red Hawk Golf Club will host a four-person golf scramble benefit for Houghland. Cost is $200 per team and tee off is at 12:30 p.m. Fee includes greens fees, cart, prizes for first, second and third place teams and awards and prizes. There will be mulligans, closest to pin on all par threes, longest drive for men and women, 50/50 tickets, a silent auction, barrel of booze raffle and other raffle prizes. If you don't golf, but would like to support Jason come join the event for dinner and festivities. Adults are $10, children under 10 are $6, and children three years and under are free. For more information visit the tournament website at www.redhawkgc.net. You may also contact Maria Reyes at 618-318-9807 or Dan Breslin at 618-357-8712.

Houghland is a 2002 graduate of Pinckneyville Community High School. He was a member of the 2001 state champion basketball team and helped lead the Panthers to the basketball super-sectional in 2002.

He is the son of the late Jackie Dean Houghland and Eva and Joel Hopp.