BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) -- A golf tournament was held at Highland Park Golf Course on Monday in remembrance of a young man who died from esophageal cancer.

According to a news release, the JMP Foundation Golf Classic is named after John Michael Pierce, who started experiencing severe heartburn symptoms at 24. The Vestavia Hills native visited a gastroenterologist and was diagnosed with stage four esophageal cancer. He died five months later.

The foundation and his family are raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of esophageal cancer, the connection between heartburn and cancer, and the significance of early detection.

"Our main mission is to raise awareness of the early signs and symptoms of esophageal cancer," said Michelle Jenkins, Pierce's sister. "John Michael was 24 when he w

See Full Page