Why Stewart Cink and Steven Alker’s blue ribbon tribute at the Cologuard Classic 2026 is touching millions worldwide

The blue ribbons at the Cologuard Classic 2026 are not just for show. Players like Steven Alker are wearing them for a powerful reason. They stand for people fighting colorectal cancer and those who lost their lives to it. Right from the start, this event is about more than golf, it is about saving lives and spreading awareness. At the center of this is a special program called Birdies for Survivors. Every time a player makes a birdie on the 15th hole, $1,500 is donated. The goal this year is to raise $55,000. That money will help bring cancer survivors and their families to future events. Around 450 survivors and their loved ones are already attending this year, gathering at the “Survivor Central” fan zone and cheering with smiles and hope.

Steven Alker shared his feelings clearly. He said, “I think you’re just playing for more than yourself and your family. You’re playing for these survivors and people who have passed. I’m playing for someone who’s essentially passed from a disease. You think of their families and what it’s all about; it’s a big deal. That’s what it feels like; you’re just playing for more than yourself.”

Steven Alker and Stewart Cink lead emotional tribute as Cologuard Classic honors cancer survivors

This initiative began in 2026 with a strong message. According to Blair Brophy, associate director at Exact Sciences, every player is playing for someone. She explained, “All pros who play in the tournament play on behalf of someone who has either passed from the disease or is a survivor or someone who is currently undergoing treatment.”

That is why the blue ribbons matter. Each ribbon tells a personal story. It connects the players to real people and real battles.

For Stewart Cink, this cause is deeply personal. In 2025, he played at the Cologuard Classic during National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month to honor Steve DiMeglio, a respected Golfweek writer. DiMeglio was diagnosed with rectal cancer in 2022 and passed away on January 1, 2025, at the age of 63. Cink kept his tribute simple and heartfelt. He said, “My honor.”

The message goes beyond tribute. It is also about awareness. Tournament ambassador Jerry Kelly stressed the importance of screening. He said, “This is so much more than a golf tournament. This movement to get people screened…we don’t have to lose people to this disease.” He added, “It’s amazing; there are still 60 million out there that are behind in their screening. I can’t say it loud enough and often enough, and I’m going to keep doing it. Yeah, we need to get the awareness out.”

The Cologuard Classic, now in its fifth year, has grown into something bigger than sport. The blue ribbons, the birdies, and the stories all come together for one purpose, to fight cancer and support survivors.





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