CARLSBAD, Calif. -- It's an annual reunion of sorts at the La Costa Resort, but it is one that John and Judy Champ certainly wish never had to take place.

"It's bitter and sweet. It's hard to participate but I'm very proud of the organization but it is bittersweet," said John Champ.

The organization is Conner's Cause, named after John and Judy Champ's son, Conner, who died from brain cancer 14 years ago.

Once a year, golfers are invited to play a special round at La Costa to raise money for other families who find themselves in the same position the Champs were in.

"Because your focus is just on your child, things like paying your bills and taking care of day-to-day situation in your life; people need help with that," said

Last August, people were getting together for a neighborhood fundraiser to help Tanner Rico, who was the youngest ever to be diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Tanner's mom, Traci Rico, said, "The life expectancy is to about age 20. But we are determined to keep Tanner healthy and strong and we're going to beat this."

With help from Conner's Cause, the Ricos have been able to get Tanner to a specialty clinic in Cincinnati, and they are not alone.

"Our families are now more financially stressed than ever. Last year, we had 180 applications," said Carol Del Signore, director of Conner's Cause.

Funds raised from the golf tournament go to a variety of needs, from gas cards, to help with co-payments and prescriptions.

"It's always been a small, grassroots program, but we've help thousands of families now and it's pretty incredible to us," said

Conner's Cause is always taking donations and will hold a gala in October in another fundraising effort.

Learn more about Conner's Cause by clicking here.