Nearly 70,000 individuals between the ages of 15 and 39 are diagnosed with cancer each year. In additional to occupying the ‘no man’s land’ that exists between pediatric and adult oncology, these individuals face unique, long-term side effects that often go unaddressed. On Sunday, July 27th at Montrose Beach, we took a stand against young adult oncology where nearly 100 folks registered for our 3rd Annual Stand Up Paddleboard Race, Ride and Relay to Benefit Young Adult Cancer Survivors (SUP YACS). The sun was shining, the air was warm and the water was (mostly) flat - everyone from the racers to clinic participants had a great time. Most importantly, True North Treks and the Robert H Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center will receive proceeds from the day to continue the diligent work they do to better young adult cancer survivor lives. We were fortunate to raise over $10,000!!!
We couldn’t do this without the expertise of Kayak Chicago – Dave Olson and his crew expertly set up the race course, keep participants safe and teach newbies how to paddle so they can participate in the races next year. Mary Lou Cerami taught IndoBoard Balance Bootcamp while Duane Hanson kept us dancing on the sand with his DJ skills. Dr. Jennifer Reichek and Jonny Imerman emceed the day for us and continue to fight for young adult cancer survivors every day in their day-to-day jobs at Lurie Children’s Hospital and Imerman Angels, respectively. A HUGE thank you goes out to the Pacifico team for sponsoring our afterparty at the Dock at Montrose Beach where local band, Rendition kept us moving and grooving well into the afternoon. The Pacifico beers were deliciously cold and the Pacifico giveaways were a highlight, as they are every year.
Raffle prizes this year were provided by Neiman Marcus, the Goodman Theatre, the Shedd Aquarium, Mr. and Mrs. Smith Comedy, Boltwood restaurant and Main Street Outfitter. A huge thank you to all of volunteers who make the day run so smoothly! Get ready for next year’s race by taking classes offered at Kayak Chicago and Chicago Paddle Company.