Key West Mayor Teri Johnston and Monroe County Mayor Holly Raschein welcomed a group of dedicated cancer fighters on Friday as the Castaways Against Cancer arrived at Simonton Beach in Key West by land and by sea.
This is the 25th year the group has ventured from Miami to Key West to raise money for cancer research. Over that 25 year period, the group has raised $2.5 million, of which 100 percent has been donated to the Sylvester Cancer Center at the University of Miami.
“This team endures a series of arduous journeys every summer from Miami to Key West,” Mayor Johnston read from the proclamation, “with kayakers padding 160 miles over seven days, runners relaying 170 miles over two days, and cyclists pedaling the same 170 miles in one grueling day, with the mission to raise money, awareness, and honor all those who have battled cancer.”
Founder Steve O’Brien came up with the idea after losing his mother to cancer. “What began with a group of four sea-hippies on the water in 2000 has grown into a powerful movement with dozens of volunteers,” he said.
The beach was packed as supporters welcomed the determined fundraisers. When the kayaks appeared around the bend, the paddlers’ families – and lots of children – ran into the water to greet them.