How Marbella on a Mission is Rallying the Tennis
Community for Cancer Care

On World Cancer Day, communities everywhere come together to remember lives lost, celebrate the courage of those still fighting, and work toward a future without cancer. In South Orange County, that spirit comes alive through tennis, bringing people together, inspiring action, and creating meaningful change.

At the heart of this movement are friends and co-chairs Trisha Heppenstall of Ladera Ranch and San Juan Capistrano’s Amy Staley, who lead Marbella on a Mission, a community-driven initiative that transforms a shared love of tennis into meaningful action against cancer. 

Together, they lead an event that has grown into a three-day charity tennis experience featuring liveball and a doubles tournament that celebrates survivorship, honors those lost, and raises critical funds for both national cancer research and local patient care. Over the past three years, they have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars, benefiting the American Cancer Society nationally and MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center locally.

A Day That Hits Close to Home

For both women, World Cancer Day carries profound meaning, informed by family experiences, personal loss, and the reality that cancer impacts nearly everyone in some way.

“World Cancer Day is a time to reflect on those we’ve lost, those currently battling cancer, and the shared hope for a future without it,” Trisha said. “Cancer has touched my own family—my Aunt Madlen and my cousin Nicole passed away after courageous battles.” 

Trisha emphasizes that pausing to reflect is essential and should not be overlooked. “It brings perspective. It reminds us that cancer affects real people and families, not statistics, and that progress depends on continued awareness, support, and commitment. Reflection helps turn understanding into purpose and reinforces why coming together as a community matters.”

Beginnings of Marbella on a Mission

Marbella on a Mission was founded in 2023 by Amy as a way to honor her mother-in-law, Linda Staley, and to support families navigating cancer. In 1995, Linda was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer at just 38 years old and given six months to live.

“Through her sheer will to live for her three young boys, modern advances in cancer care, and her favorite outlet—tennis—she valiantly battled for nine more years,” Amy shared. 

What started as a small idea to honor Linda and support others has revealed its potential and seen immense support from the local tennis community. 

For Trisha, stepping into a leadership role became deeply personal around the time she became involved with Marbella on a Mission, when her younger cousin Nicole had just begun a new chapter of life as a newlywed settling into a first home before a late-stage cervical cancer diagnosis abruptly changed everything. 

As Marbella on a Mission evolved, so did its leadership, shifting from a personal passion project into a collaborative effort fueled by shared strengths and vision. 

“When people rally around something authentic, a simple idea can become a lasting force for positive change,” said Amy. “As the event has grown, the heart of the mission has remained the same, but the impact has expanded.” 

“This annual event has quickly grown into something much bigger than a one-person job,” Trisha and Amy explained. “We came together knowing our talents complemented each other, and our personalities build off one another. Pulling off an event like this requires energy, ideas, organization, balance, and a lot of hard work. By working as co-chairs, we can continue to deliver the kind of event this cause deserves.”

League Tennis and the Power of Community

Tennis has always been central to both Trisha and Amy’s lives. Their paths first crossed through USTA Adult League Tennis at Marbella Country Club in San Juan Capistrano, where they quickly recognized a rare sense of community built on connection, encouragement, and shared passion. It was the kind of supportive backdrop they knew would make their vision for Marbella on a Mission possible.

“Marbella Country Club is where our community truly connects—across generations, skill levels, and life experiences,” Trisha and Amy said. “It’s a uniquely supportive environment where both new and seasoned tennis players feel welcomed, encouraged, and valued. So many Marbella members are generous, service-minded, and eager to give back. Their willingness to step forward—whether by playing, volunteering, sponsoring, or spreading the word—is what made this event possible and led to its success. Tennis became the natural vehicle because the Marbella tennis community already leads with heart, and Marbella on a Mission simply gave that generosity a shared purpose.”

The power of this community became the natural vehicle for Marbella on a Mission. While players may face each other across the net in league competition, those distinctions fade when the focus turns to philanthropy. Opponents become teammates, and the shared love of tennis unites people in service of a greater cause. 

Philosophy

At Marbella on a Mission, “Game. Set. Match.” is not just a tagline. It’s the mindset behind everything they do. It’s a guiding philosophy that shapes the event and their approach to cancer advocacy. For Trisha and Amy, the phrase captures how change actually happens, one decision, one person, one rally at a time.

Meaningful Moments On and Off the Court

In 2025, the Raise a Racket event raised $130,000, yet Trisha and Amy emphasize that each contribution represents far more than dollars. 

“Beyond the dollar amount, that $130,000 represents people—stories, families, and a community choosing hope together,” explained Trisha and Amy. “In just three years, our fundraising has grown exponentially because we opened our arms to the broader Orange County community, and they showed up in an extraordinary way. The outpouring of support is a reminder that cancer touches every one of us, often deeply and personally.” 

Funds raised support both national and local initiatives. Nationally, contributions benefit the American Cancer Society, the largest non-governmental nonprofit funder of cancer research in the U.S., which has invested more than $5 billion since 1946 to detect cancer earlier, develop better treatments, and help people not just survive, but thrive. Locally, proceeds support MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center’s nurse navigator program, ensuring patients receive guidance and comfort from diagnosis through survivorship, alongside access to wellness services such as nutrition counseling, peer support, yoga, and onco-ballet.

Beyond the tennis courts, Marbella on a Mission provides a space for those impacted by cancer to come together, share stories, and feel the support of others navigating similar challenges. One of the most poignant moments of the event is the Dedication Tree, where guests post messages and photos honoring loved ones currently in the fight or remembered in their memory.

“Led by Ruby Dunek—whose son bravely battled colon cancer—and sponsored by the Dunek family in his honor, the Dedication Tree also highlighted colon cancer awareness, including updated screening guidelines now recommending screening beginning at age 45,” Trisha and Amy stated. “It beautifully captured the heart of Marbella on a Mission: remembrance, community, and hope.”

Throughout the weekend, participants experience a full range of emotions, from the weight of personal stories to the joy and camaraderie of tennis. That balance channels emotion into action, transforming feelings of sadness or helplessness into volunteer hours, fundraising, movement, and connection. It is in these moments, on and off the court, that hope thrives, fueled by collective effort and shared purpose.

“There are moments that feel deeply heavy, especially when we listen to survivors share their stories, read tributes on the dedication tree, or hear participants explain their “why,” which is often incredibly personal,” emphasized Trisha and Amy. “Those moments remind us exactly why this work matters. At the same time, tennis brings joy. It’s challenging, social, and fun—and that energy is important.” 

Building Through Collaboration

Equally vital to the success of Marbella on a Mission is the Planning Committee, a group of dedicated individuals whose creativity, expertise, and commitment bring the event to life each year. 

“We’ve learned the power of bringing together strong, intelligent people—each with unique talents—and empowering them to lead,” they shared. “This event is truly a team effort.”

The committee manages everything from online and in-person silent auctions to merchandise, sponsorship, event planning, PR, inter-club collaboration, and outreach to high school athletes. 

“Every member stepped into their lane and elevated the event with creativity, precision, and heart. We are deeply grateful to Katie Guerrero, Megan Lavender, Ruby Dunek, Juliana Brutoco-Bianchi, Jessica Bourchereau, Lisa Dow, Bernadette Wilson, Julie Weidner, Pilar Michalis, Sam Schwartz, CC Hafner, and Sarah Hallenbeck for all of their contributions. This event is proof of what’s possible when passionate people unite around a shared mission.”

Looking Ahead 

Building on 2025’s momentum, Marbella on a Mission is already preparing for its next Raise a Racket event. While exact dates are still to be announced, the three-day charity tennis experience is expected to return in 2026, following the timing of last year’s October event. The upcoming event aims to deepen impact both locally and nationally while continuing to rally the tennis community around a cure. Plans include engaging youth tennis teams, welcoming back adaptive programs like T3 Tennis, and expanding opportunities for local USTA SoCal players to participate. Additional sponsorship options for businesses and community leaders will allow supporters to see firsthand how their contributions fuel groundbreaking research, compassionate care, and a growing movement built on purpose, teamwork, and hope.

“Expanding these opportunities allows young athletes of all abilities to take part, give back, and feel connected to the mission,” Trisha and Amy said.

The growth of Marbella on a Mission reflects how deeply this cause resonates within the tennis community and beyond. More than the size of the event, what matters most is the impact it has on families and the awareness it raises. Even small acts such as playing a match, making a donation, and volunteering time create a meaningful ripple effect.

Those interested in participating, donating, sponsoring, volunteering, or purchasing merchandise can visit marbellaonamission.org, where opportunities for involvement are clearly outlined. Whether through tennis, community engagement, or support for programs, every effort contributes to the shared mission.