Jimmy  Darts

SB Mowing

Pattie Gonia

Little Miss Flint

Kalina Silverman / @makebigtalk on Instagram

The Dogist

Samuel Weidenhofer

Patriotic Kenny Foundation

Peter Bond

That Good News Girl

Ben Saunders - Flawless Cleaning

Flavor Flav

Ask Uncle Jack

Amy Jandrisevits

FowlMouthFarmer

Tess Bohne

Latonja and Taylor Richardson

Officer Richard Craig

John Wolfe

Khloe

<div>Looking back to where we started in 2017, it is heartwarming to see how much this event has grown.
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<div>We are grateful for all of the community's love and support throughout 2023. We are about to embark on the 7th annual Hood River 24hr paddle for cancer on April 20th-21st. We hope you can join us on this journey and extend a helping hand to even more families as we continue to grow.
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<div>Hood River is the gathering place where members from different communities all over the west coast have been united by the Columbia river to support the cause.
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<div><strong>PNW 24 - History</strong>
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<div>We started doing this event in Hood River in 2017. It is a 24hr paddle relay to bring together the community to celebrate the strength and resilience of those battling cancer 24hrs a day.
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<div>From $3000 in 2017 to $20,000 in 2023. We’ve impacted 48 families lives, from Washington to California, with a total of $65,000 in cash gifts, and engaged the community in support of families who are struggling with the devastating effects of cancer. With in-kind donations of almost $30,000, and over 5,000 hours of volunteer time, we’re establishing credibility to the organization so we can create an even bigger impact in the lives of others in the future, with expanded support and programming.
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<div>This response from a 2023 recipient Gary Peterson is typical of what we hear from families:
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<div>"This blessing could not have come at a better time as the holidays are here. We will use the gift to help with everyday expenses but also bring a little Christmas cheer. Thank you all so much for your support and generosity. It means the world!”
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<div><strong>Who are we?</strong>
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<div>We are the Small Steps Collective. After 6yrs of doing this event, we are in the process of filing for an official non profit 501c(3) number, so that we can continue to grow and support the community.
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<div><strong>What is the PNW 24?</strong>
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<div>The 24 is a community event, designed to create a safe space where we will paddle with and support those who have been affected by cancer. The 24 is not a race. It is not about speed or distance. It is about commitment. It is designed as an event where team and community members support each other and paddle together in solidarity.
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<div><strong>How we are going to do it</strong>
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<div>Our team will kick off the event and paddle together from Event site at 9am on Saturday April 20th. After that, sub groups of paddlers will be trading off every hour in a relay format until the event ends at 9am on Sunday April 21st. Community activities will take place on Saturday afternoon, follow us on social media to stay tuned on more details
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<div><strong>What’s new this year?</strong>
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<div>This year has brought much community growth with workshops and activities that will be available to those we fight for as well as the public.
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<div>Some examples are:
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<li>Journeyshare with Sheila Hoover: an opportunity for participants to get to know each other around our connection to the PNW 24
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<li>Writing exercises for telling your story with Garet Lahvis
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<li>Why am I sick of hearing these words and why do I feel alone: support group workshop with Joel Yang
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<li>Yoga, breathing, &amp; meditation with Sarah McDonnell &amp; Alisha Nightingale
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<li>Sound Bath experience with Trevor Hay
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<li>Memorial Paddle lead by Devi Denson: to celebrate and remember those who are no longer with us
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<li>Candlelight Vigil lead by Devi Denson: to celebrate and remember those we have lost, and be strong for the ones we support
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<li>Intro to Outrigger paddling with Estelle Matheson
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<li>Standup paddle racing clinic with Bodie Von Allmen
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<li>Downwind sup foil tips and demo with Big Winds
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<li>Sup Camping/Adventure paddling: with Josh Waddell
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<li>Intro to paddling: SUP, Kayak with many of our team instructors
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<div><strong>How can you support?</strong>
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<div>You can support by donating, coming out to the event, paddling with us, cheering us on, and sharing this link with your family and friends. We will be super stoked by having you there with us and highly encourage you to come by and participate. All forms of support are greatly appreciated.
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<div><strong>Please join us:</strong>
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<div>Location: Hood River Event Site
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<div>Start: Saturday April 20th 9:00AM
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<div>Midway: Saturday April 20th 11:59 PM - Bring lights!
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<div>Finish: Sunday April 21st 9:00 AM
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<div>This is a community event - you are all invited to join us - we would all love to see you there.
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<div>We look forward to continued growth in 2024 as we launch the event with a rich program of activities for families and visitors to the event site.
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<div>Thank you for your commitment, involvement, and donations!
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<div>Sincerely,
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<div>Joel Yang
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<div>Small Steps Collective &amp; the PNW 24 community
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2024 7th Annual Hood River 24hr Paddle for Cancer

We are raising  money to help take the burden off of our dear friends  Ed and Holly. Ed suffered a massive heart attack Sunday evening and is fighting for his life. He had a procedure done yesterday  where they inserted a device called  an Impella. Here is a link you can follow to see how this works <a href="http://www.impella.com/how-the-impella-heart-pump-works"><a href="http://www.impella.com/how-the-impella-heart-pump-works" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">http://www.impella.com/how-the-impella-heart-pump-works</a></a>. Ed is not out of the woods yet and we are praying everyday that he has a full recovery without any complications.<br />These two will be out of work for an undetermined amount of time. We do not want to see them struggle with household bills or any medical expenses.  Ed  and Holly are loved by so many of us. We are all blessed for knowing these two very special people.  We are asking you all to consider helping our dear friends get through this extremely rough time. Thank you and God bless!

Helping Ed Bailes and Holly Cooper

On September 10th my little brother, Andy O'Brien (PeeWee), and his friend, Alana, were hit by a drunk driver while walking home after sharing some drinks and tacos at a tavern only a few blocks from her home. Rather than risk driving under the influence themselves, they opted to walk the short distance home. Shortly after leaving, they were hit by a drunk driver off Tracyton Boulevard in Bremerton, WA. Tragically, Andy's friend, Alana, did not survive her injuries and passed away at the scene. Andy was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle where he remains in critical condition in the ICU. <br /><br />For those of you who don't know my brother, he is the kind of person you see coming from a hundred feet away. Maybe it's all that 80's neon he wears, or the sweet smile he's always flashing. It could also be the unmistakable sparkle in his bright, blue eyes or the way he greets everyone with a huge hug. A recent college graduate who just finished his student teaching, Andy has big dreams of returning to the town of Gig Harbor where he grew up in hopes of becoming a Physical Education (PE) teacher. As someone deeply commited to physical health and wellness, the injuries Andy has suffered will certainly have a monumental impact on his life. We are hopeful he will return to hiking, kayaking, and his beloved disc golf sooner rather than later. <br /><br />Unfortunately, as a recent graduate, Andy does not have any health insurance. The medical bills and recovery expenses he is already accruing will easily reach into the million dollar range. We are asking anyone who is able to donate whatever amount they can to help support Andy as he fights for the future he so deserves. <br /><br />Our family thanks you all for your love and support. Please remind your friends, your children, and anyone who will listen not to drink and drive. Our thoughts, prayers, and sorrow are with Alana's family and all who have lost loved ones in these very preventable tragedies.

Andy&#039;s Support & Recovery Fund

Doug Terrien is an avid cyclist who became the victim of a senseless hit-and-run incident while riding his bicycle in Puyallup, WA on June 6, 2017.<br /><br />Doug was struck by a pickup truck towing a trailer at a high speed. The driver has yet to be identified.<br /><br />Doug sustained significant head trauma and extensive other injuries. He is currently in critical condition.<br /><br />Doug is a resident of Gig Harbor, WA. He is the loving father of three sons and grandfather of two young granddaughters.<br /><br />Any contribution to support Doug's recovery will help cover his already-accrued and continuing medical expenses and long-term care.<br /><br />Your kind thoughts and prayers are a blessing to us during this difficult time, and we cannot thank you enough for the generosity you have shown us.<br /><br />Thank you,<br />The Terrien Family

Doug Terrien Medical Expenses

Hello friends, on Thursday, May 4th, 2017, my best friend Dawn Doyle's husband Shane Doyle passed away. I would like to help raise funds for Dawn and her three amazing children to financially assist with costs during this most difficult time. We are asking loved ones ones to make a donation in leiu of flowers to this Memorial Fund. A donation of any size is helpful. Thank You in advance! <br /><br />Sincerely,<br /><br />Marcia "Missy"

Dawn Doyle's Family Assistance Fund

Aj was in a major motorcycle accident in HB 5/1/17 Monday afternoon heading to work. Like many other young adults is uninsured. Right now as I type this he's in icu at orange coast global trauma unit with many surgeries in he near future. Any help would be much appreciated

Austin Newman recovery  funds

<img class="not-resizable" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/17532702_1484696629.5114_funddescription.jpeg" alt="" width="100%" /><br />It saddens me to say that we have lost a special person in our lives.  A loving father and husband has passed on unexpectedly.  He was a very loving father, husband, and friend.  His wife and children have a loving and devoted family to help them through this difficult time but we are asking for the kind of help that doesn't come easy.  As most of you know there are expenses with the passing of a loved one.  Expenses that most families are not prepared for, especially when the passing is unexpected.  We are asking for help with funeral expenses.  Jessica and the kids are grieving, and while this tragic situation has us all saddened, we ask for you help.  Any amount helps.  If you cannot help financially please decline with a few words of encouragement for this family. Thank you all for your support.  Support of any kind is appreciated.

Tuiloma family funeral expenses

<strong>bi·on·ic<br /></strong><strong>b</strong><strong>īˈ</strong><strong>änik/<br />adjective: bionic<br /><br /></strong><strong>-Having ordinary human powers increased by the aid of bionic devices (real or fictional).<br /><br /></strong>At 24 years old, I feel as though my tired body is fighting tremendously every day to keep up with my adventurous spirit and ambitious travel plans. My name is Katy Fetters, I have cerebral palsy, and I want to become bionic.<br /><br /><strong>I am writing to you today to ask that you support me in my pursuit of a new, more enjoyable and active experience of the physical world. <br /><br /></strong>Many of you already know my story, you know <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wxt_qAiIsOw" target="_blank">my family, our business </a>, and the type of healthy lifestyle I strive to lead but for those of you who don't: <br /><br />I came into this world against all odds;  like many with CP, my parents were told at my birth that I would never walk-- but my body and brain persisted-- as a baby I army crawled and eventually, I stood up. I clumsily walked, learned how to ride a bike after many skinned palms and knees. I even rode a skateboard on my stomach just because I wanted to do whatever my siblings could do! I may fall down or stumble (a lot) but I always get back up. Because that is what having a physical disability has taught me to do. I am in a constant mode of adaptation toward my environment.<br /><br /><img class="not-resizable" src="https://2dbdd5116ffa30a49aa8-c03f075f8191fb4e60e74b907071aee8.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/15313133_1476538432.6935_funddescription.jpg" alt="" width="100%" /><br />I can walk, but I can't run anymore. My feet are too worn and fractured due to my poor gait. I fear that my body will one day fail me and in turn, affect my ability to live independently, to see the world, and to even be the best wife and mother I could be to a beautiful family. <br /><br /><strong>Becoming Bionic:<iframe media_type="0" media_id="dlqel7udvEI" class="youtube-replace" title="YouTube video player" style="margin-bottom:20px;width:560px;height:315px;" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/dlqel7udvEI/?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="1"></iframe></strong><br />I am certain that the <a href="http://www.hangerclinic.com/bracing-support/adult-le/Pages/Limb-Salvage-ExoSym.aspx" target="_blank">ExoSym</a> will be my ultimate relief; a sleek and highly sophistocated device to enhance my weak leg's muscles and stiff, painful joints. Mechanically, it will seamlessly align my hip, knee, and foot to increase the smoothness of my stride. It will allow me the freedom to access muscles in my body that have been dormant my entire life due to my brain's functional inability to make those important motor connections. <br /><br />This brace will present its own challenges but I am more than ready to take on this responsibility to my future self. Despite my CP, I am going to travel down into South America with the love of my life for five months this upcoming New Year. That is another reason why this brace feels necessary right now more than ever before. <br /><br /><img class="not-resizable" src="https://2dbdd5116ffa30a49aa8-c03f075f8191fb4e60e74b907071aee8.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/15313133_1476538489.7511_funddescription.jpg" alt="" width="100%" /><br />I am determined to work hard and gain the strength to run &amp; hike better and stronger but I need your help to make this vision possible!<br /><br /><strong>The Money Stuff:<br /></strong>If they [my insurance co.] review and approve my request, my estimated responsibility due at the time of delivery would be <strong>$2,112.00.</strong> If they review and deny my request, I should have a chance to appeal the decision. If insurance denies all requests for coverage and my family &amp; I decide to move forward, the cost of the device &amp; knee section is <strong>$10,787.50 to be paid in full at time of delivery</strong>. This amount includes the evaluation, casting, fabrication, and fitting of the test device and completed finalized device, functional training, and adjustments as necessary. My goal is to travel up to the clinic in Washington to get fitted for the brace a month from now, on <strong>Monday, November 14th</strong> so that I will have a few weeks to train &amp; learn how to use it before I leave the country for several months. <br /><br />It is not very promising that I will receive any financial assistance due to the fact that this brace is deemed for military use, is experiemental and so forth. But I know this is the real deal, and I hope you see that too. If my case is well received, all donations will be refunded once I have met the $2, 112.00 minimum fundraising goal <strong>or</strong> the exceeding funds will be donated (at your will, with permission) to <a href="https://www.ucp-oc.org/UCP/" target="_blank">UCP-OC,</a> my local center for children with developmental disabilities.<br /><br />Most of all, I want to be an example for those with a physical disability to know that it's okay to be open about their struggles, be proud to pursue their dreams, and have the courage to take on every challenge that life inevitably presents. This device can help so many with CP specifically, and I hope to be one of the firsts to publicly share their experience with this kind of prosthetic. <br /><br /><strong>You:<br /></strong>Any support that you could provide: sharing this link, donating $5, or even telling someone you know who might also benefit from an ExoSym would make all the difference in the world to me. It is not natural for me to ask for personal charity and I only do so because I've found the answer: the Bionic, Badass ExoSym Brace. I believe in this <a href="http://www.southsoundtalk.com/2015/05/11/ideo-brace-brings-innovation-to-prosthetics/" target="_blank">doctor,</a> his passionate work-ethic, and this device's ability to ultimately give me a better quality of life. Thank you, sincerely for your time &amp; support in helping me become bionic.<br /><br />-Katy Fetters<br />October 14, 2016

Becoming Bionic: Katy Fetters

Let's get Clancy to his son's retirement from the navy!<br /><br />Who are we? <br /><br />We are a group of Veterans and community members who want to honor a Navy Veteran who permanently lost his vision and right leg to a DUI Driver. <br /> <br /><br />What are we raising funds for? <br /><br />We are raising funds to help send Clancy and his wife, Mary to Oklahoma to attend and participate in their son’s retirement ceremony from the Air Force. <br /><br /><br />How will the money be used? <br /><br />The money will be used to pay for expenses associated with air fare, ground transportation and four nights lodging. <br /><br /><br />How soon do we require the money?<br /><br />Clancy initially doubted he would be well enough to travel, but subsequent improvements in his condition have changed his situation. Clancy is now well enough to travel, but pressed for time and funds. We would like to meet our fundraising goal in five days.<br /><br /> <br /><br />Why does this mean so much to us?<br /><br />After the catastrophic injuries Clancy suffered, including permanent blindness as well as ruptured leg bones with one requiring amputation, few thought he could regain enough strength to attend his son’s retirement in just the seven months that have passed since he was struck by the DUI Driver. This special Veteran sacrificed much to serve his country during 17 sea tours where he had responsibility for the most hazardous work site on the planet, the catapults and arrestor system on the flight deck of a United States aircraft carrier. <br /><br />How thankful will we be?<br /><br />Clancy and his family will be incredibly thankful that he can participate in the ceremony to honor his son’s military service, continuing a family tradition of passing on a US Flag that has been passed down for generations, and was used at his grandfather's and father's military retirements.

Kevin Billingsley

Kevin Billingsley

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