They say that you never quite grow up until you parents get ill or pass away, so pro-golfer Phil Mickelson will have to muster up the strength and courage as a caregiver for the second time around, as his mom was his mother was diagnosed with breast cancer and is to have surgery later this week.

Just weeks after receiving the diagnosis on his wife Amy, Phil will have to embrace his mom through her struggles with this grave illness also. One can never be too prepared for these occurrences and we could only be thankful, that the every day challenges Phil faces playing golf has prepared him for this journey.

The San Diego Union-Tribune reported on its Web site that Mary Mickelson discovered she had breast cancer last week. She is to have surgery Friday at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, the same hospital where Mickelson’s wife, Amy, had surgery last Wednesday.
Mickelson’s sister, Tina, told the newspaper she wanted to make her mother’s condition known so she could receive the same outpouring of support and prayers that meant so much to Amy Mickelson.

Mickelson has not spoken publicly since the U.S. Open where he was a runner-up for a record fifth time.

His parents live in the same San Diego house where they raised their three children. Mary Mickelson was honored in 1998 as “Mother of the Year” by the San Diego chapter of the March of Dimes. She said at the time, “I don’t know if I’ve done anything extra than other mothers. We’ve always been involved and have just been there.”

Mickelson said at Bethpage Black that it was “highly unlikely” he would play the British Open, and said his schedule the rest of the year depended on his wife’s battle with cancer.

So I join the millions of fans who are rooting for Mary, Amy and all the rest of cancer patients out there. Remember to wear something pink in their honor.

My father once told me to serve good food with bad news, but the news Phil Mickelson received today, was hard to digest. As a fan of all things golf, there has always been a bright spot for Phil, even if he was not in the winner’s circle on Sunday. Of course that one bright spot was his family, his wife Amy was always there with the kids for a warm embrace. So today, the golfer Phil switched roles to become a caregiver as he learnt of his wife Amy’s diagnosis of breast cancer. Phil has canceled his golf schedule indefinitely to be with Amy. We can only wish Amy all the best, and hope for a speedy recovery. I am so sure this will come as an even bigger shock to the PGA Wives, who are a close knit bunch. Tiger Woods in a statement on behalf of his family, wished the Mickelsons all the best, offering his support during the tough times ahead.