Meet Corwin Parker

We were lucky to catch up with Corwin Parker recently and have shared our conversation below.

Corwin, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

My resilience comes from never giving up and always getting back up when life knocks me down. I’ve had to face some tough moments, especially with my MS diagnosis, but I’ve learned that resilience isn’t about avoiding challenges—it’s about how you handle them. Every setback is an opportunity to push harder and keep moving forward. My journey has shown me the importance of perseverance and having the courage to face adversity head-on, no matter what. It’s a mindset I carry with me every day, and it keeps me going, even when things get tough.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I was born in Massachusetts, went to college in Texas, and have spent most of my adult life in the South. I now live in Charleston, SC, where I manage the East Coast for Golfbreaks, the worldwide leader in golf travel and an official PGA TOUR partner. My career in golf has allowed me to connect with incredible courses, resorts, and players while helping people plan unforgettable golf experiences.

At 29, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, which changed my perspective but also motivated me to take action. I started a golf tournament and founded Swing Fore MS, a charity focused on raising awareness and funds for MS research and support. In addition, I serve on the Charleston MS Council, working alongside others dedicated to making a difference in the MS community.

Through this journey, I’ve discovered that many people who host charity tournaments aren’t aware of the tax liabilities they take on when operating without a nonprofit structure. My goal is to grow Swing Fore MS in a way that allows us to absorb other tournaments, helping raise even more funds while also protecting those who are personally taking on financial risk when trying to do something charitable.

Outside of work, my wife, Catalina, and our two kids, Palmer (4) and August (2), keep life full and exciting. I love playing golf, seeing live music, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. I’m also a big fan of professional sports—especially the New England Patriots and Boston Bruins.

Right now, my focus is on expanding Swing Fore MS and making our annual tournament in Charleston bigger and better each year. We’re always looking for new ways to grow, whether through partnerships, sponsorships, or bringing more golfers and supporters into the fold. If you’re interested in getting involved, we’d love to have you join us!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Three qualities that had the biggest impact on my MS journey were advocacy, persistence, and trust in my own instincts.

From the start, I had to be my own advocate. I saw multiple doctors, searching for answers, but kept hitting roadblocks. I knew something wasn’t right, and eventually, I had to demand an MRI—which confirmed what I had already suspected on my own: MS. That experience taught me that when it comes to your health, you can’t just rely on the system to figure things out for you. You have to push for answers, ask the hard questions, and not stop until you get them.

Persistence was also key. MS is unpredictable, and the process of getting diagnosed and finding the right treatment isn’t always straightforward. There were moments of frustration, but I kept going. Whether it was pushing through symptoms, navigating the healthcare system, or adjusting to a new reality, I refused to let MS define me.

Lastly, I had to have the courage to trust myself. It would have been easier to accept the initial dismissals from doctors, but I knew deep down that something was wrong. That same courage has helped me not only in dealing with MS but in starting Swing Fore MS, where I’m working to support others who face similar challenges.

For anyone at the start of their journey, my advice is simple: listen to your body, trust your instincts, and don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself. No one will fight for you harder than you will, and sometimes, you have to push until you get the answers and support you need.

Tell us what your ideal client would be like?

At Swing Fore MS, our ideal supporter is a philanthropic golf lover—someone who not only enjoys the game but also understands the impact of MS and other autoimmune diseases that affect so many families across the country.

This cause is deeply personal to me. I was diagnosed with MS at 29, and while I’m doing everything I can to manage it, my biggest hope is that the next generation won’t have to face this disease or worry about the challenges that come with it. The people who make the biggest impact on our mission are those who share that vision—who want to actively support research, fund treatments, and push for a cure so that future generations don’t have to live with the uncertainty that so many of us do today.

But let’s be honest—it’s not all serious! We’re looking for supporters who know how to have a good time. If you love golf, great food, refreshing drinks, exciting prizes, and exclusive golf auction items—like rounds at some of the area’s top private courses—then you’re exactly who we want at our event! Whether it’s hitting the course, enjoying some delicious BBQ, or bidding on these incredible auction items, every bit of support helps us bring our goal closer to reality, all while having a blast in the process.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

all my own

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