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

As each paddle hits the water, it gives back a reflection. A reflection that takes you back to something that is closer to you than you can imagine. And with each stroke the reflection become clearer.
Carolyn, the oldest of my three children is the only one who can remember my father. My mother fortunately became much more than a grandmother to them. However they both died of cancer. And they both died too soon. When they died, life as a mother of three never really allowed me to understand how things all fit together. But as each ripple forms from the water dripping from the paddle, it now begins to come together.
My thoughts on these incredible journeys have brought my mind back to fascinating and special people. People like Brent Dopson who was to me a role model, Joe Steele who was everyone’s hero, Kim Merkley who is still fighting this awful disease, Irene Heerkens who I pray for with every dip of my paddle, and my mom and dad.
These people and those who unselfishly commit to this yearly pilgrimage are now my family. They have helped me through the tough memories, through the heartache and I am blessed to be a part of it.
I will continue to paddle and to reflect, and continue to remember for as long as I can.

Maureen Cornick