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What do you do when a friend faces the ultimate hardship? Six years ago, the Friendship Paddle was formed as a way to help a friend, Doug McFadden, battle an inoperable brain tumor. In doing so, we raised funds by paddling across the Santa Barbara Channel to provide a much needed spiritual uplift that perhaps allowed Doug to greatly surpass his life expectancy. Doug passed away three years ago, but the Friendship Paddle, born of our desire to help him and his family, remains strong.
After that initial success, the group completed four additional paddles: circumnavigating Santa Cruz Island (66 miles); a coastline paddle (37miles); a Channel crossing from Santa Rosa Island (36miles); and a Coastline paddle from Point Conception to Miramar Beach (46 miles). The Friendship Paddle has been able to provide financial and emotional aid to five very special families, who were facing life threatening illnesses. The memories created on these days and the legacy of the event has been powerful for all families and participants.
This year, we paddle on behalf of Tom Whittaker and his family. Tom is a 46 year old Carpinterian. He and his wife Anne have two daughters, Caitlyn and Kelsey, 17 and 14. Seven years ago, Tom was diagnosed with a brain tumor. He was operated on at UCSF, followed up by chemotherapy treatments which put the cancer into remission for five years. In September of 2007, he was diagnosed with additional tumors which he is currently battling with chemotherapy here in Santa Barbara and San Francisco. Tom is an avid cyclist and hiker and has spent many years bodysurfing, kayaking and swimming off Santa Barbara and Carpinteria Beaches.
On September 13, we will depart Forney's Cove (West end of Santa Cruz Island) and paddle 30 miles to Carpinteria. As in past years, teams of 3-5 paddlers will alternate on paddleboards while support boats escort us across the Channel.
Will you make a gift to help us achieve our goal?
All gifts to The Friendship Paddle are tax deductible. You can mail your contribution to 920 Garden Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, payable to The Friendship Paddle. To learn more about Tom's journey or to contact him directly; go to tomstrong@blogspot.com
Thank you for considering this opportunity to make a meaningful difference for a family in need of support.
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