Why do I paddle?
I paddle to honor the lives of all children who have battled cancer, who are currently battling, & who will battle in the future. However, this year with a heavier heart, I paddle for Farah Guzman. Farah was diagnosed with a childhood cancer called Ewing sarcoma in February of 2018. She battled bravely for 14 months (same amount of time as Sebastian) & passed away April 10th, 2019, at the age of 24. Another one taken from us way too early. Although I only knew Farah for 7 months, she left an indelible mark on me. From the moment I met her, she won me over with her beautiful smile & spirit that reminded me so much of Sebastian.
Farah’s treatment protocol, like Sebastian’s, was also 40+ years old. It is shameful to me that with all of the innovation we have seen in our society over the last 40 years, we are still doing the same things for many rare childhood cancers. These treatment protocols are highly toxic & come with brutal side effects, including long-term effects that lead to serious health issues like organ failure & secondary cancers. Kids deserve better!!!
I will work the rest of my life to improve the current state of pediatric cancer. Through SebastianStrong Foundation we will continue to fund research for less toxic, more targeted cures as well as provide support to those children and families battling this dreaded disease. Won’t you please help by making your donation HERE?
If you are in the South Florida area, we’d love to see you at Virginia Key Beach (a.k.a. Castaways Beach) next to the Miami Seaquarium on June 8th at 6:30 am for the launch or at Smathers Beach, Key West on June 14th at 1:45 pm for our arrival.
With gratitude,
Oscar (Sebs’ Dad)
THE DETAILS
What: 7 days & 160 miles by kayak from Miami to Key West to raise awareness & funding for childhood cancer research
Date: June 8 – 14, 2019
Launch: morning of June 8th, Virginia Key Beach
Arrival/Landing: afternoon of June 14th, Smathers Beach, KW
Donations: http://bit.ly/
Questions: rose@
SEBASTIANSTRONG FOUNDATION IS A 501(C)(3) NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION. ◊ EIN 81-5044002 ◊ DONATIONS MADE TO SEBASTIANSTRONG FOUNDATION ARE TAX-DEDUCTIBLE IN THE UNITED STATES. ◊ A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) OR VISITING WWW.800HELPFLA.COM. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
