Cape Cod Bay Challenge Returns for its 18th Year

South Shore, Mass. – The 18th Annual Cape Cod Bay Challenge (CCBC), the oldest and most recognized stand-up paddle (SUP) event in the Northeast, returns this year in person to benefit Christopher’s Haven, a home for kids when cancer hits home. Located near Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Christopher’s Haven consists of nine fully furnished apartments and a community recreation area for families of children being treated for cancer in nearby Boston hospitals.

Over the past 18 years, the Cape Cod Bay Challenge has raised over $1.2 million to benefit Christopher’s Haven and has attracted nearly 800 participants.

This summer, the CCBC will offer two options for paddlers to participate: a 16-mile in-person distance paddle and a five-mile in-person “CCBC-Lite” paddle. There will also be an After Paddle Celebration at the Levitate Backyard & Rexicana Surf Cantina from 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on August 9th (1871 Ocean Street, Marshfield, MA). Tickets to the event are available on the event's registration website.

This year, the event will honor Joyce Duvall, former Executive Director of Christopher’s Haven, who passed away in late 2024. Her passion for helping others found its true calling in 2006 when she became a founding member and the Executive Director of Christopher's Haven Boston. Joyce's leadership and vision were instrumental in creating a sanctuary for those amid their toughest battles. Joyce’s life was a testament to the power of kindness, the strength of community, and the impact one person can have on the world. Her tireless work, boundless love, and commitment to lifting others have left an indelible mark that will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her. There will be a ceremony held before the paddle in honor of Joyce’s memory.

“The past 18 years have been rooted in dedication to Christopher’s Haven and the incredible families it serves,” said Mike Chase, CCBC President and Christopher’s Haven Board Member. “Each year, the Challenge brings together a community of paddlers who share in something truly special — joy, camaraderie, and a deep purpose. This year means even more to honor the memory of Joyce Duvall, whose passion helped shape Christopher’s Haven into the establishment it is today. And of course, none of this would be possible without the steadfast support of our sponsor, Levitate — we’re so grateful for their partnership.”

100% of the proceeds from the CCBC will benefit Christopher’s Haven, located at One Emerson Place in Boston’s West End, across the street from Massachusetts General Hospital. Over 500 families have stayed at Christopher’s Haven to date, and the Cape Cod Bay Challenge’s support over the past 18 years has contributed to making those stays possible.

“The Cape Cod Bay Challenge continues to be an incredible force of support for Christopher’s Haven,” said Susan Kagan, Executive Director at Christopher’s Haven. “For 18 years, their commitment has made a tangible difference in the lives of the families we serve. This year’s paddle is especially meaningful as it honors the legacy of Joyce Duvall, whose compassion and vision helped shape the heart of our mission. We are deeply grateful to the CCBC team for carrying that legacy forward and helping us share our story with communities across the region and beyond.”

Paddler registration, ticket information, and pricing can be found by visiting the event page.

About Christopher’s Haven

Opened on Labor Day 2006, Christopher's Haven is a 501(c)(3) organization located in Boston, Massachusetts, with a mission to operate a supportive community consisting of nine temporary apartments and a community recreation area for families of children being treated for cancer in nearby Boston hospitals. Christopher's Haven holds the distinction of being the only organization of its kind that offers an apartment setting for the entire family, specific programs and activities for children undergoing outpatient treatment, as well as programs for siblings and parents, and takes full advantage -- through the help of an extensive volunteer network -- of both the unparalleled medical and cultural advantages of Boston. For more information, please visit here.