ABOUT LINKS FORE LIAM
Our Story
In the face of unimaginable loss, finding a way to honor a loved one’s memory can be a profound source of healing and inspiration. For us, the legacy of our son, Liam Bascle, lives on through a heartfelt initiative dedicated to fighting pediatric brain cancer. Links Fore Liam, in collaboration with Jimmy Fund Golf, is not just a golf event; it is a beacon of hope and a rallying point for the community to come together in the fight against a devastating disease.
Liam was a source of light and joy to all who knew him. Diagnosed with brain cancer, specifically ependymoma, at the age of ten months, his courage and resilience were an inspiration. Despite the challenges he faced, Liam’s spirit remained unbroken, and his ability to find joy in life’s moments touched everyone around him. His seven-year battle was a reminder of the urgency of finding a cure for pediatric brain cancer and improving treatments for those affected.
In the wake of Liam’s passing, we sought a way to channel our grief into something positive. We envisioned Links Fore Liam as more than just a fundraising event—it’s a tribute to Liam’s bravery and a means to support critical research for pediatric brain cancer. The event brings together golfers, families, and community members in a shared mission to raise awareness and funds.
As we approach our fifth year doing the Links Fore Liam golf events, we reflect on the incredible journey this initiative has been. Over the past four years, the events have raised over $800,000, a testament to the generosity and commitment of our communities in supporting pediatric brain cancer research. Links Fore Liam has grown each year, driven by the collective efforts of families, friends, and local organizations who come together in Liam’s memory. The substantial funds raised so far have already made a significant impact, contributing to research and resources dedicated to improving outcomes for children battling this devastating disease. The success of the first three events underscores the profound effect of community involvement and highlights the continued need for support. As we prepare for the fourth annual event, we aim to build on this momentum, furthering our mission to find a cure and improve treatment options. We invite everyone to join us once again; to participate, donate, and spread the word about this important cause. With your continued support, we can honor Liam’s memory and contribute to a future where pediatric brain cancer is no longer a formidable challenge but a conquerable battle.
The funds raised from Links Fore Liam will be directed towards The Filbin Lab at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, where they study pediatric brain tumors, particularly the lethal high-grade gliomas, including DMG and malignant embryonal brain tumors that are in greatest need of therapeutic improvements, which are at the forefront of pediatric brain cancer research. We hope that this event not only raises significant funds but also increases awareness about the needs of children battling brain cancer.
Looking ahead, we aim to keep Links Fore Liam an annual event, expanding its reach and impact each year. Our goal is to create a lasting legacy for Liam, ensuring that his story continues to inspire others to contribute to this crucial fight.
QUOTES FROM FRIENDS & LOVED ONES
Kind Words
“Tenacity is a value in all too short supply in this world, but one Liam possessed in spades. We were fortunate to follow his journey from the beginning, courtesy of Nick and Sarah. When we were feeling low, or dealing with a trivial problem, it only took the briefest of glances at the Blue Moon hanging in our studio – a tribute to Liam and his beloved Manchester City – to serve as a reminder of his strength and spirit. He continues to be a great source of inspiration to everyone at Men in Blazers.”
Roger Bennett – Co-Host of “Men in Blazers” and NYT Best-selling author of “(Re)Born In The USA”
“I will never forget the first time I met Liam in the Bascle’s Phoenix apartment. He was full of energy: scooting around, wanting to play ball, read books, watch Daniel Tiger. Undeterred by his diagnosis. He was just a kid, wanting to connect, learn, and be loved. And he was. To the fullest. Because of his own strength and will, built upon his parent’s love and example.
Nick and Sarah, thank you for bringing Liam to the world and inviting us into the journey through your writings. Maybe it was helpful to share, but I can’t imagine it was ever easy.”
"Liam, thank you for passion, joy, and resilience. You impacted everyone you met- and there were thousands."
Rest in Peace, Wee Man. Have a kick about up there in the endless extra time. We’ll be there with you shortly.
Ryan Smith – Family
When I think of Liam, I think of love. While I know young children do have a greater capacity for love, Liam seemed simply made of it with an equal inability to contain it. He definitely was building on the example of limitless love you had for him. To me, it is clear that a huge part of what comforted Liam throughout his life – was love. From you and Sarah, and Claire and Louis and his extended family – and in the giving of love from Liam back to all of you. I realize that since knowing Liam, I have been working harder to reflect back that seemingly boundless capacity for love out into the world – to my family and strangers alike. It has me thinking how to better love and care for the children I encounter through my work, even if it is for a few short hours. Love has no time limit.
When I was able to visit with him though travels back to the East coast, I got so much joy from watching his joy running from family member to family member. It squeezes my heart as I remember the peals of laughter from him and his aunts and uncles picking him up to swing him around to do it all over again.
It’s a simple memory, and a simple word for sure – but I feel these simple memories helps me build the foundation to support the complexities of loving and remembering a life like Liam’s.
Emily Kitchen – Family
“Liam was so smart. Between reading from a young age and playing games, it was hard to put anything past him. As Liam’s godmother, I prayed for him every day. Now we have him in Heaven interceding for us to have the same strength, courage and love that he did throughout his life.”
Ellen Gibbons, Family
"Character always seems to come through in little ways when days get long and energy runs low".
Mustering the strength to do the little things to bring kindness to others when you’re not at your best is a true measure of real character. It’s easy to greet others and life with a smile when life is good, it is a much tougher thing to do when life is hard, and Liam greeted an unfair number of hard times with a smile. I will never forget his smile and the immense fortitude and kindness it symbolized.
Michael Sargent – Family
"One look at Liam, you could instantly see how sweet and innocent he was".
He took everything in good stride, despite some of the things no child wants or should have to endure. When he was happy with us, his smile brightened up the entire room and our whole day. Courageous boy, courageous family. We think of you so often. Thank you, Liam, for allowing us to care for you! It was our honor to do so.
Susan Chi, MD – Pediatric Neuro-Oncologist, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
“Liam simply put was the most caring and selfless person I’ve ever met.”
Brian Coughlin – Family
“Liam’s visit to Saint Anselm College and the courage and dedication he displayed that day inspired our men’s soccer team, our student body and the entire Saint Anselm community. The entire Saint A’s community will never forget that day. It was, without a doubt, the most incredible day in my 24 years on the Saint A’s Hilltop.”
And that following Saturday, Liam energized the entire Bedford High School community and soccer team. I have never been more proud to be from Bedford than I was that day. Also, Liam gave all of us who were at Saint A’s or Bedford High School more than we could ever give him.
I know that we were helping to fulfill Liam’s wish but we were the ones – the Saint A’s and Bedford High School community – who received the gift from Liam those two days.”
Jim Flanagan, Senior Vice President, Saint Anselm College
From the moment I met Liam at Meet the Teacher, I knew he would make a big impact on my life. He walked up to my classroom, said hi and wrapped his little arms around my waist. He wasn’t afraid, he was ready to conquer the first grade. During the next few weeks of school, I began to see how much I had in common with Liam. Not only did we share the same favorite color, we shared the same passion for soccer.
One of my favorite memories was when Liam and I played soccer in the classroom. Liam has made such a positive impact on my life. I am so thankful I got to know him. I miss him dearly.
Jillian Beatty – Liam’s First Grade Teacher
“Liam had a way of touching the lives of those who knew him and I am blessed to have been one of those special people. He spread kindness, and had the compassion to truly make a difference.”
Jo-Ann Gaynor, Liam’s 1st grade paraprofessional
Not a day went by in my two years of teaching Liam that he was not happy. Liam was like a ray of sunshine gleaming into my classroom. I remember feeling all the emotions just knowing how hard his days must be because he had cancer; the anticipation of having a child with cancer in my classroom was emotional and this was all I could think about, until I met him. I wondered how he could be so happy, so motivated to learn and play and share his ray of sunshine with everyone he met. I had no answers as to how, he just did. His love for life was grand, he loved his teachers, his friends, and his school. He would ride the school bus to school and would greet me daily with a smile! As he walked down the long hall to his classroom, he would wave to everyone, making everyone smile. That is all it took for Liam to share his joy! Not only did Liam share his happiness he shared his love. His little arms would wrap around my neck for some morning squishes. I wished at those moments I could take the cancer away, so he would no longer have to fight. He didn’t see it that way, the cancer did not define who he was, Liam defined who he was. To this day I will never forget the feeling I felt for him, his hugs, the smiles on everyone’s faces when they saw him grin and wave, the fight that he fought so he could keep loving the life he was given. I can still hear his little voice read, “Caps for Sale!” Liam, you will always be my ray of sunshine.
Tanya Lebroda – Liam’s Pre-K Teacher
Sponsors
Links Fore Liam NH, presented by Energy Efficient Investments.
Links Fore Liam CO, presented by Gravicore.
Links Fore Liam LA, presented by Raising Cane's.
