Tennis tourney to benefit oncology research

The first Love-Love Magic City Finish the Fight Tennis Challenge is scheduled for March 4-8. Ladies’ doubles teams will compete at venues around Birmingham including Birmingham Country Club. The week-long event will conclude with the Love-Love Tennis Ball on March 8 at the Birmingham Country Club, with dinner and dancing to honor and celebrate the champions.

The event will benefit Robert E. Reed Gastrointestinal Oncology Research Foundation, which supports scientific research to make treatment easier for patients with all types of GI cancers. The foundation funds research in Birmingham, led by Martin J. Heslin, M.D., professor of surgery and director of the Integrated Multidisciplinary Cancer Care Program at UAB.

Kathi Ash is the Executive Director of the Reed Foundation. Laurie Grantham is this year’s Women’s Committee Chair, Sarah Warburton is Co-Chair, Neillie Butler is Honorary Chair and Wally Nall is Advisory Board Chair. Jimmy Weinacker, Lizzie Jeffcoat and Laura Willoughby are serving as Advisory Pros.

Registration will close Feb. 25. The tournament is open to players of all levels, and teams can register on the tournament