Welcome back to our fifteenth consecutive year of Kayaking for Cancer!

In 2003, we were first introduced to the kayaking family at St. Micheal's H.S. in Kemptville. Kevin was a fellow colleague who told us about this group of kayakers who paddled to raise money for cancer research and thought we'd be a great fit for the group. We thought this was a noble and worthy cause. So, we planned to participate in the 2004 journey but instead, Andrew was diagnosed with testicular cancer weeks before we were supposed to dip our paddles. Two surgeries, nine intensive weeks of chemo and eleven years later, Andrew is a survivor. And, for the last seven years, we have brought our twin daughters out to camp and cheer on the group. They know the jingles and teach their friends at the park the "We are the kayakers, we're kayaking for cancer" chant. And so as we begin our 2015 trip, we are able to share this amazing experience with our girls in a kayak instead of cheering from the side and they have a better understanding of what this experience means to us as a family.

We found out about the compassion that this new family had when Candice, who didn't even know us that well at the time, called to offer to take Andrew to chemo treatments. This is what this week is really all about. They were and now we are Friends and Family Making a Difference. Over the years our reasons for paddling have changed as new friends and family members have been diagnosed. This year we are here for our cousin Melissa who has been battling brain cancer for three years. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you. Day One is done and as with years past, we spent it with old friends and new, sharing stories, laughter and tears as we make our way to Ottawa. Thanks, Kevin for bringing us into this family all those years ago. It is a tradition and a cause that we plan on sharing for years to come.

The Galbraiths
Andrew, Michelle, Mariève and Aimée