DAY 8: Saturday, August 13, 2022
The final day of K4C 2022. They kayakers left Long Island Locks this morning. They stopped at Black Rapids for lunch before setting out on the final kilometers of the journey and arriving to the Ottawa Locks at Parliament Hill in the late afternoon. It was a subdued celebration as several paddlers weren't able to finish the trip with us due to unforeseen circumstances -- we want all of you to know that you were there with us in our hearts and thoughts.

Reflection – Day 8 of Kayaking for Cancer Journey 
by Doug

My introduction to Kayaking for Cancer and the wonderful people involved was in August 2009, just months after my wife Jocelyn’s diagnosis of and treatments for breast cancer, and I first paddled a portion of the trip a year later, just months as it turned out before my brother Ron’s passing due to esophageal cancer early in 2011.  Six full Kingston to Ottawa K4C trips and three more partial ones since then, I feel both honoured and humbled to have paddled in memory of people who have succumbed to cancer, but equally, in tribute to the many who are survivors.

Today, perhaps my last as a K4C paddler, I think of all of them, of the dedicated people who every year support K4C as organizers and ground crew, of the Ladies of the Rideau who arrange and prepare the great meals, and of all of the people who time and again have donated to the Canadian Cancer Society in support of our efforts.  Special thoughts go to all of the amazing paddlers I’ve met over 12 years of K4C … what fun and poignant times we’ve shared, through both pleasant days and burning sun, strong winds, thunderstorms and rain!  Lastly, I am mindful of the people … too many people … who are dealing with cancer now, and that their prospects of cure continue to improve because of the innovative research that K4C and other fund-raising efforts are continuing to support.

Memories to last a lifetime!  K4C paddles will not cease!  Thank you, and Blessings to all of you!

Doug Yurick