For David Howard, that moment arrived this July at Royal Birkdale—one of golf’s most storied links. As the 27-year-old Irishman stepped up to the first tee of The Open Championship, he wasn’t just playing against the field; he was defying a prognosis that once told him he might not survive past his mid-twenties.
David is a qualified mechanic by trade and an amateur golfer by passion. He is also a person living with cystic fibrosis (CF)—a rare, inherited disease that causes the body to produce thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and digestive system.
But on that tee box, he was simply a world-class competitor who earned his right to be there by outplaying the field in Final Qualifying.
"Here I am, as healthy as ever and playing at The Open. It's just nuts." — David Howard
Today, Howard competes with up to 30 tablets a day tucked right alongside his clubs to manage his condition. His presence at The Open is a celebration of raw human will, but it is also a testament to a massive medical breakthrough.
The Science (and the 10% Left Behind)
Over the last decade, a new class of medications called CFTR modulators—including ivacaftor (Kalydeco), lumacaftor/ivacaftor (Orkambi), and Trikafta—has changed the equation entirely. Rather than just managing symptoms, these drugs target the underlying genetic defect.
For roughly 90% of CF patients with the right genetic profile, these treatments have delivered dramatic improvements in lung function and overall quality of life.
But these miracle drugs are not a cure, and they don't work for everyone. Because they are gene-specific, 10% of CF patients cannot be helped by current CFTR modulators.
KC Cook finds himself in that 10%.
KC Cook: Living Life at Full Throttle
Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at just one year old, KC is now 32. Having CF hasn't slowed him down; instead, it lit a fire under him. Today, he is a race car driver, entrepreneur, coach, and fierce advocate for CF research.
KC founded the Boost Foundation on a philosophy as simple as it is radical: live fast, live full.
The name "Boost" carries a perfect double meaning:
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In Motorsports: "Boost" refers to the forced-air induction of a turbocharger—the very mechanism that makes an engine breathe harder and perform beyond its limits.
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For the CF Community: It's about raising awareness, funding education, and creating once-in-a-lifetime motorsport experiences for those living with the disease.
Coming to Long Beach: The Boost Foundation Full Throttle Classic & Car Show
On October 5, 2026, the Boost Foundation is bringing that high-octane spirit to the fairways of Recreation Park 18 Golf Course in Long Beach, California.
The Boost Foundation Full Throttle Classic & Car Show is a charity golf tournament and car show pairing 18 holes of golf, food, games, and incredible cars with a celebration of community, resilience, and life fully lived. Every single dollar raised goes toward the Boost Foundation's vital work on behalf of the nearly 30,000 Americans living with CF today.
How to Get Involved:
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Players: Spots are available at $150 per person.
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Hole Sponsorship ($400): Perfect for local businesses wanting to show support.
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Throttle Package ($1,550): Includes one player foursome.
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Turbo Package ($3,550): The flagship tier featuring two foursomes, premium event branding, and maximum visibility.
Register & Support Today: The Boost Foundation Full Throttle Classic
David’s journey to The Open and KC’s drive on the racetrack are powerful reminders of why community support, awareness, and ongoing research matter. You can be a vital part of driving this mission forward.
Whether you want to lock in your spot on the green, showcase your vehicle in the car show, or secure a high-visibility sponsorship package, taking action is simple. Use the quick-link buttons directly below to register or connect with us instantly.
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Ready to Join Us? Click the Register Now button below to secure your player spot or browse tournament sponsorships on the Boost website.
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Have Questions or Want to Custom Partner? Click the Contact Clint Wood button below to send an email inquiry directly regarding sponsorships, media, or event details.
For direct manual outreach, Clint Wood can also be reached by phone. Stay tuned to Green Side News for more inspiring stories from the intersection of regional golf, community impact, and human triumph.
