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

I sat beside my mother's bedside gazing into her drug induced eyes. Pain management was the prescription, the battle with cancer was almost over. She was the last member on that side of the family. Cancer had taken them all, except one. "I love you" was all I could manage to say, trying to stay strong for her. She would try to smile and say "It's ok I'm going to a better place". I wept and prayed in silence that her suffering would soon be over, and it was.

"Humans wither like grass, and their glory fades like wild flowers. Grass dries up, and flowers fall to the ground".

Five years ago, my best friend lost her battle to breast cancer. I remember sitting at her bedside and the feeling of helplessness was overwhelming. Trying to be a support system for her and her family. "I love you " was all I could say.

I paddle because I love life and I love people. It's my small contribution to help find a cure for this dreadful disease. I was taught to love one another and treat people with kindness and respect and let nothing stand in the way of my prayers.

Darlene