4th Annual Standup For The Cure Sees Huge Participation

NEWPORT BEACH, California - On Saturday May 2nd, Newport Beach residents witnessed the 4th Annual gathering of the Standup for the Cure’s celebration of Life! Once again a crowd of over 1000 came together to raise funds and awareness for early Breast Cancer Detection, research, treatment and education while enjoying a day of Standup Paddling, Live Music and great food and drink.

This past weekend, the team at Standup for the Cure (SUFTC) hosted the 4th Annual Event at the Newport Dunes Resort in Orange County, California. Participants traveled from as far as Boston to take part in what has become the World’s largest Standup Paddling event and leader in Women’s Health Fundraising. “Our Mission is to Have Fun while saving lives” says Standup for the Cure’s Judie Vivian who is a Breast Cancer Survivor and tireless advocate for the event. Ambry Genetics, Riviera Paddlesurf, Kaiser Permanente and GLOBHE help fund the effort that includes free Breast Cancer and Melanoma Screenings, Standup Paddleboard Lessons and Demos, “Sea of Pink” 5k Fun Paddle/Race, Live Music, Lunch, Happy Hour and Health and Fitness Expo.

Over 1000 participants donned Pink Jerseys in tribute to Survivors and Victims of Breast Cancer. The day began with a Hawaiian Blessing and the release of dozens of White Doves to symbolize the dream of a world Free of Breast Cancer. SUFTC’s Professional crew of paddlers, led by Starboard SUP athlete Zane Schwietzer, Brennan Rose, Annabel Anderson and Joanne Hamilton-Vale guided the Team of Survivors, including “Pink Promise” Team leaders Suzanne Yeo and Georganna Hall Wadsack on a “Victory Lap” of the lagoon before the horn blew for the Annual “Sea of Pink” 5k SUP Race.

Over 1000 participants donned Pink Jerseys in tribute to Survivors and Victims of Breast Cancer.

Following the 5k, our Junior Breast Cancer Supporters hit the water for their 500 meter race and the Top Fundraising teams participated in the 4-lap Team Survivor Challenge Relay! The celebration concluded with live music from local band Johnny Love a great lunch catered by Ruth’s Chris Steak House and Happy Hour presented by Kona Brewing Co. and Barefoot Wine. When all was said and done, SUFTC raised over $100,000.00 and screened over 200 participants for Breast Cancer and Melanoma! “What a great success” said Founder Judie Vivian. “Our money raised represents over 1000 mammograms for underinsured women in the Orange County area! What’s raised here, stays here!”

“Our Mission is to Have Fun while saving lives” says Standup for the Cure’s Judie Vivian.

Standup for the Cure (SUFTC) is a local 501c3 formed for the express purpose of raising funds and awareness for early breast cancer detection, research and treatment. Founded in 2011, Standup for the Cure is fully supported by generous donations from their partners: Ambry Genetics, Riviera Paddlesurf, Kaiser Permanente,GLOBHE, Emery Financial, Maui Jim, OhSo Design, Kona Brewing Company, Barefoot Wine, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Aztek Paddles, Bear Flag Catering, West Marine Hardware and a host of Vendors and Volunteers who take part each year. “It’s a real team effort,” says National Event Director, Dan Van Dyck, “In the true spirit of Aloha, our crew of partners and volunteers pulls together to host a top notch event that benefits the local Breast Cancer Community and contributes to the sustainable growth of our paddling Ohana!”

To find a SUP event near you, check out the Supconnect Events Calendar here.