Paddle boarders, kayakers or anyone with a healthy outlook on life can participate in the annual fundraiser, Paddle with InspireHealth, to bring awareness and funding for cancer care in British Columbia.
On Sept. 6, teams of kayakers or stand-up paddle boarders will depart from Trepanier Beach in Peachland on a guided route.
The event is open to the public and is significant for participants, most of whom have been touched by cancer, either directly or indirectly. Many are cancer survivors themselves or are living with a diagnosis of cancer, and others are paddling as a unique way to support or honour a loved one.
Former Olympic athlete Kristi Richards from Summerland shares a personal connection with InspireHealth after she went through the program as a support person for her father, who was a patient of the society.
"Relief comes from knowing that my father had a centre point for his diagnosis and the treatments he wanted to explore, and an integrative plan for his life and recovery," said Richards. "InspireHealth was the place to map it out for him. They helped to transform my father's life. I am pleased to be involved with Paddle with InspireHealth to raise funds for integrative cancer care, and especially to be doing it with my father."
InspireHealth helps to work with their patients and their family supporters to engage in support of their own health, through nutrition, exercise and emotional and spiritual well-being.
The not-for-profit agency receives partial funding from the ministry of health, the day-to-day operational costs all come from fundraising efforts and donors.
After returning from their paddle participants will receive lunch, gift bags and free draws, as well as, prizes for the highest fundraisers.
The event is followed by a beach party and picnic celebration for all paddlers and their loved ones.
For more information on the event please visit www.inspirehealth.ca.