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Cancer survivor plans 150-mile open ocean paddle board mission for cancer research |
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By: Paddle2Live
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Friday, 17 September 2010 |
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PADDLE2LIVE will raise funds for UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Livestrong Foundation Newport Beach, California– Cancer survivor and Newport Beach native Jack Shimko has announced that he will attempt to paddle from Santa Barbara through the Channel Islands to Newport Beach to increase cancer awareness and raise money for the search for a cure. PADDLE2LIVE, will be a 10-day, 150-mile journey for the Hodgkin’s lymphoma survivor who will be paddling for a fundraising goal of $500,000. An avid waterman and outdoor enthusiast, Shimko was diagnosed with cancer just days after his 29th birthday. During periods of extreme pain and nausea, Shimko would picture himself out on the water, pitting himself against the open ocean on a paddle board. That dream sustained him and Shimko successfully battled the disease and is currently in remission. Just 16 weeks into chemotherapy, Shimko fulfilled his vision by competing in the 2009 World Paddle Board Championship in San Francisco. Mild hypothermia and a last place finish did not diminish Shimko’s victory, and he left San Francisco determined to undertake a more grueling challenge that would allow him to use his paddle board as a vehicle to raise funds for cancer treatment. PADDLE2LIVE was born.
“It’s great to be able to use my own survival to raise awareness and help fund the type of research that saved my life,” said Shimko. “In the end, though, PADDLE2LIVE isn’t about me. It’s about contributing to the fight against cancer and the search for a cure; it’s about making sure that all people fighting this disease have access to the care and the treatment they need; and it’s about inspiring other young people to beat the disease and live their dreams.”
Shimko will depart from Santa Barbara on the first 29-mile leg of the 150-mile paddle on September 23rd. He will complete his trip ten days later, on Saturday, October 2nd at Newport Beach Bay.
To reach PADDLE2LIVE’s $500,000 goal, Shimko is encouraging individuals, organizations and companies in California and beyond to get involved in any way possible. To donate and for more information on PADDLE2LIVE, please visit PADDLE2LIVE’s Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/paddle2live .
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September 21, 2010
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