The Jim Hindley Golf Celebration raises over $323,000 for the SDR Project

On July 14, 2025, under sunny skies at the picturesque Elm Ridge Golf Club, members of the MUHC Foundation community gathered for a cause that’s as close to the heart as it is to science. Held in honour of Shawnea Roberts, the Jim Hindley Golf Celebration raised an incredible $323,462 in support of the SDR Project—a groundbreaking initiative led by Dr. Donald Vinh and supported by the MUHC Foundation.

At the heart of this initiative is the Hindley-Roberts family—Jim, his daughter Darlene, and his granddaughter Shawnea, whose courage and determination to uncover the causes of her illness inspired the creation of the SDR Project. Their story has inspired a movement that continues to grow each year.

“I’m so grateful to everyone who supports this event and believes in this work,” says Shawnea. “Dr. Vinh gave me hope when I thought all my answers were gone. Your support is helping other patients like me finally get the care they need.”

When Shawnea first met Dr. Vinh, she knew she was finally in the right hands. As the MUHC’s renowned genetic-disease detective, Dr. Vinh analyzes his patients’ genetics and immune systems to uncover why their bodies aren’t functioning properly—and then proposes solutions to help the immune system fight disease from within. His work is bringing life-changing answers to patients who have long lived in uncertainty.

“The support we receive through this tournament is driving real, tangible progress,” says Dr. Vinh. “It allows us to use cutting-edge genomic tools to identify the root cause of unexplained genetic diseases. Every dollar raised helps bring clarity to patients who’ve long lived without answers—like Shawnea—and gives us the power to change the course of their care.”

Understanding the genetic cause of disorders requires both compassion and advanced technology. Even tiny differences in our genes can have a big impact on health. With the support of donors to the MUHC Foundation, Dr. Vinh and his team are equipped to analyze 25,000 genes per patient, searching for the subtle clues that can lead to diagnosis and precision treatment. The SDR Project is also helping to recruit world-class talent and further position the MUHC as a leader in this cutting-edge field.

“At the MUHC Foundation, our mission is to advance innovative research and vital patient care to find the cures of tomorrow. The SDR Project perfectly encapsulates this, and we’re so proud to stand behind Shawnea and her family as they advocate for real change,” shares Marie-Hélène Laramée, President and CEO of the MUHC Foundation.

Since its launch in 2021, the SDR Project has raised a transformative $2,260,000, accelerating discoveries and offering hope to countless families.

“The work of Dr. Vinh and the SDR team is extraordinary,” says Jim Hindley. “Every year, we see more people show up, more people give generously, and more families who are finally getting answers. My family and I couldn’t be more grateful.”

The MUHC Foundation extends heartfelt thanks to our dedicated volunteers, sponsors, and supporters who made this year’s tournament an unforgettable celebration of generosity, purpose, and progress.

Together, we are driving breakthroughs in genetic testing and personalized medicine—so that no family has to face the unknown alone. Click here to learn more or donate to the SDR project.