Monster&Sea 24 Paddle for Cancer TO
Donation protected
The Monster & Sea 24 hour Paddle Story...
Last year, during spring of 2015, a team of 6 paddlers out of Seattle, WA paddled 24 hours to raise money for families in the fight with cancer. They blew past their fundraising goals and the event exceeded all expectations in donations and support. At midnight they had over 30 people on the water with them! They were able to stuff 7 envelopes each with $1000 and give them to 7 families battling cancer head on.
The event was the first of its kind and was inspired by an individual, who himself was in the fight when his wife was diagnosed. From that day forward, he decided we all need to live life to the fullest, "go" just because we can and give back whenever we can. That was the birth of the brand Monster & Sea - the monster being cancer and the Sea being where he found inspiration and strength.
I myself am a competitive stand up paddler based in Toronto, Ontario. I had the chance to meet Troy (the man behind Monster & Sea) at a competition, get to know him and hear his story! He is one of the most humble and inspirational people I know. We stayed in touch and have become friends...the SUP community is just that.....a community where the people you meet become instant friends.
I was honoured when he asked if I would be a part of his 24 hour event this year and Captain a team in Ontario! I said "heck yes", put the word out and 12 hours later, we were a team of 6! Each and every one of us feeling very connected to the cause in some way and honoured to be a part of this event. I think I speak for our whole group when I say that paddling is what we love and what we know how to do; if we can make a difference and give back through our paddling, that is the best gift we could be given. An opportunity to "paddle with a purpose" other than our own training goals and fitness.
So, I present to you, the 2016 Toronto 24 Paddle Team!
Jessica Rando
Tracey Finlay
Del DaSilva
Larry Cain
Julie Postill
Anthony Bruzzese
Steve MacKenzie
We are stoked to also welcome our friends from Port Dover, ON who are an extension of the Toronto team and will also be participating in the 24 hour paddle!
Jillian Backus
Chris Swarts
Tina Swarts
Jake Knechtel
Jonah Logan
Ty Backus
This year the event will run on Easter Weekend, Saturday March 26th to Sunday March27th, 2016. 8am-8pm and there will be 7 teams, each with 6 paddlers, doing this event simultaneously across North America!
So where will the money go you ask?
Well, here in Canada we are very lucky to have amazing health coverage to help cover individual treatment expenses, but what is not covered are the additional day to day expenses, the potential loss of income, and all of those things you cannot monetize; stress, anxiety, fear.....they have an even great cost.
In the Monster & Sea tradition, we will give all funds raised to families in the fight.....in the hopes of providing a break in the chaos.
This is a message I received from a friend the other day which helps put the life of a cancer patient and their families into perspective...
"I spent 9+hrs today with my mom in the Odette cancer centre while she got chemo and found myself tearing up a lot just seeing so many families supporting their loved ones who are battling this fu&*ing disease. It's overwhelming there how many hundreds of people walk through those doors each day to see doctors, get chemotherapy, radiation, surgery or all of the above. And all I want to do is grab a big table and get them all to colour/scribble alongside me to help release some of the intense feelings you feel.."
Her Mother was rid of her cancer, then it retuned and now this may be their last Easter together. : (
So for them, and many others, we paddle.
Thank you everyone for your generous support! Know that your donations will go to a great place and will make a difference in peoples lives. We truly appreciate all donations but please know, support comes in many shapes and forms so even if you are not able to make a donation , there are many other ways to give! Come paddle with us, hang out with us or just send a message with your "hoorays"! : )
Sincerely,
Jess and the M&S 24 Paddle Toronto Team!
Last year, during spring of 2015, a team of 6 paddlers out of Seattle, WA paddled 24 hours to raise money for families in the fight with cancer. They blew past their fundraising goals and the event exceeded all expectations in donations and support. At midnight they had over 30 people on the water with them! They were able to stuff 7 envelopes each with $1000 and give them to 7 families battling cancer head on.
The event was the first of its kind and was inspired by an individual, who himself was in the fight when his wife was diagnosed. From that day forward, he decided we all need to live life to the fullest, "go" just because we can and give back whenever we can. That was the birth of the brand Monster & Sea - the monster being cancer and the Sea being where he found inspiration and strength.
I myself am a competitive stand up paddler based in Toronto, Ontario. I had the chance to meet Troy (the man behind Monster & Sea) at a competition, get to know him and hear his story! He is one of the most humble and inspirational people I know. We stayed in touch and have become friends...the SUP community is just that.....a community where the people you meet become instant friends.
I was honoured when he asked if I would be a part of his 24 hour event this year and Captain a team in Ontario! I said "heck yes", put the word out and 12 hours later, we were a team of 6! Each and every one of us feeling very connected to the cause in some way and honoured to be a part of this event. I think I speak for our whole group when I say that paddling is what we love and what we know how to do; if we can make a difference and give back through our paddling, that is the best gift we could be given. An opportunity to "paddle with a purpose" other than our own training goals and fitness.
So, I present to you, the 2016 Toronto 24 Paddle Team!
Jessica Rando
Tracey Finlay
Del DaSilva
Larry Cain
Julie Postill
Anthony Bruzzese
Steve MacKenzie
We are stoked to also welcome our friends from Port Dover, ON who are an extension of the Toronto team and will also be participating in the 24 hour paddle!
Jillian Backus
Chris Swarts
Tina Swarts
Jake Knechtel
Jonah Logan
Ty Backus
This year the event will run on Easter Weekend, Saturday March 26th to Sunday March27th, 2016. 8am-8pm and there will be 7 teams, each with 6 paddlers, doing this event simultaneously across North America!
So where will the money go you ask?
Well, here in Canada we are very lucky to have amazing health coverage to help cover individual treatment expenses, but what is not covered are the additional day to day expenses, the potential loss of income, and all of those things you cannot monetize; stress, anxiety, fear.....they have an even great cost.
In the Monster & Sea tradition, we will give all funds raised to families in the fight.....in the hopes of providing a break in the chaos.
This is a message I received from a friend the other day which helps put the life of a cancer patient and their families into perspective...
"I spent 9+hrs today with my mom in the Odette cancer centre while she got chemo and found myself tearing up a lot just seeing so many families supporting their loved ones who are battling this fu&*ing disease. It's overwhelming there how many hundreds of people walk through those doors each day to see doctors, get chemotherapy, radiation, surgery or all of the above. And all I want to do is grab a big table and get them all to colour/scribble alongside me to help release some of the intense feelings you feel.."
Her Mother was rid of her cancer, then it retuned and now this may be their last Easter together. : (
So for them, and many others, we paddle.
Thank you everyone for your generous support! Know that your donations will go to a great place and will make a difference in peoples lives. We truly appreciate all donations but please know, support comes in many shapes and forms so even if you are not able to make a donation , there are many other ways to give! Come paddle with us, hang out with us or just send a message with your "hoorays"! : )
Sincerely,
Jess and the M&S 24 Paddle Toronto Team!
Organizer
Jessica Rando
Organizer
Mississauga, ON
