A Fund to Remember Sean (June 25, 1997-August 20, 2005) Keeping The Promise of A Promising Child Sean Putman The distinctive name of The Sean Putman Memorial Scholarship Fund correctly implies a distinctive life is being commemorated: that of courageous young Sean Westin Putman, who died August 20, 2005, eight years old, having heroically fought horrendous battles against illness, having determinedly spread pervasive joy for living. The second of three sons of Troy and Beth Montgomery Putman, Sean was first diagnosed as a toddler with Ewing’s sarcoma (PNET) in the form of a sizable tumor on his spine. After extensive surgery and over forty weeks of chemotherapy, the cancer was proclaimed in remission. Eighteen months later, a small tumor reappeared on his chest wall, and, again, chemotherapy brought success. But not permanently. Unrelenting, the disease returned a third time, proving fatal. During this six year struggle Sean was admired for his courage and his unwillingness to complain. As a diapered toddler he became a familiar sight in the halls of Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee, later the new Monroe Carell, Jr., Children’s Hospital. He endeared himself to nurses, doctors, and technicians who loved him and his quiet, smiling ways. During months in remission, Sean grew into an excellent athlete excelling in T-ball, soccer, and golf. He especially loved golf and had a very natural golf swing envied by adults. It seemed only natural that a golf event would be organized to help fund The Sean Putman Memorial Scholarship Fund at Cumberland University, Lebanon, Tennessee. And so the inaugural “Tee It Up For Sean” Memorial Golf Tournament was held June 19, 2006, at Five Oaks Golf and Country Club in Lebanon. The event, a smashing success, attracted some 170 golfers and over forty family members and volunteers. Proceeds from the event far exceeded organizers’ expectations for a first-time event. The opening activity of the day was a non-competitive, recreational, nine hole event for children twelve and under. Thirty young golfers participated. For many, it was a first time on a first class golf course. The main event of the day was a four-man scramble tournament with a one p.m. “shotgun” start. Some 144 adult golfers took part. All youth golfers received a commemorative T-shirt and trophy. First, second, and third place prizes were awarded to teams in three different flights participating in the main afternoon event. Proceeds from the event certainly contributed to the success of the endowment fund. In addition, the fund has grown as a result of hundreds of donations from friends, family, and other supporters of Cumberland University and the Putman/Montgomery families. A very special source of support came in the form of a music CD containing country music hits and standards written by Curly Putman (Sean’s grandfather) and manufactured and sold in support of the fund. Putman, a veteran Nashville songwriter, is a member of the Nashville Songwriter’s Hall Of Fame and the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. Some of the tracts on the disc include the international classic Tom Jones hit The Green, Green Grass of Home, and two-time CMA Song of the Year He Stopped Loving Her Today performed by George Jones. The CD, entitled Curly Putman & Friends, This Is the Life…for Sean, is still in circulation with all proceeds benefiting the scholarship fund. The title cut This Is the Life is a love-filled song written by Putman for his grandson. Sean loved his church family at College Hills Church of Christ. As a result, it was the family’s wish that a gift from the fund’s earnings be donated each year to the Children’s Ministry at College Hills where Sean’s parents and brothers, Ian and Ryan, attend. The love and support exhibited by the entire community, Lebanon and Wilson County, Tennessee, continue to amaze Sean’s family. The success of The Sean Putman Memorial Scholarship Fund is a true testament to the warm hearts of this community. And it’s about keeping the promise of a promising child. Return To Home Page