The Castaways Against Cancer, a group of dedicated kayakers, will be making its 17th annual trip from Miami to Key West in June to raise money to find a cure for cancer.
When founder Steve O’Brien, a long-time teacher at Columbus High School, lost his mother to cancer in 1999, he vowed to do something to inspire people to join the fight against cancer and donate money.
He decided to paddle a kayak from Miami to Key West and the Castaways were formed. Since then, the group has made the seven-day 161-mile trip every year and raised more than $650,000 to help find a cure.
This year the group will launch on June 11 and hopes to reach its yearly goal of $125,000. The community is invited to join in on Saturday, Apr. 30, 6 p.m., at the Pub Grill, 18503 S. Dixie Hwy., for food, fun, music, raffles, door prizes and a chance to win a VIP cruise to the islands. Another event will be held at The Hole in the Wall at its Kings Creek location in May.
These are two great opportunities to meet the Castaways and join the fight to bring an end to a disease that has affected so many. To make a donation directly, go to castawaysagainstcancer.com and donate to the team. The Castaways are also looking for corporate sponsors, if you are interested, contact Patrick Linfors, The Captain of the Castaways at patrick.castaways@gmail.com.
