Stand Up Paddle Says Goodbye to Michele Baldwin

Michele Baldwin on her stand up paddle board in India during her 700 mile paddle.

GANGA RIVER, India – Michele Baldwin was a strong and courageous woman.  After being diagnosed with HPV (human papilloma virus) /Cervical Cancer about two years ago, she underwent many procedures only to discover that it had metastasized.   Last July she was told by doctors that she would have about 6 months to live.   With this news Michele decided to literally stand strong and do something great with her remaining time.  She followed her heart, passions and beliefs when she set out on a pilgrimage to Stand up Paddle the Sacred Ganga River in India.  It would be a total of 700 miles starting from the base of the Himalayas and ending at Varanasi . What’s more is that Michele was only introduced to SUP in August 2011 and would embark on one of the longest SUP journeys to date by a woman.

The purpose of her incredible journey has been to raise awareness of HPV / cervical cancer and to raise $100,000 to fight the disease.  Surely she would want all women to know that according to the American Cancer Society, “The most important message for women is to have regular Pap tests to prevent cancer of the cervix from ever occurring.”  This is one practice she did not adopt. Michele went 10 years without a pap test.

Michele completed her Stand Up Paddle journey in late November 2011 but sadly passed away Sunday February 5, 2012 at her home with family and friends on hand.  She was a 45 year old single mother of three. She was Buddhist, a real estate broker, doula and apprentice midwife, whitewater raft guide, kayak & canoe guide, ski lift-operator and most recently an EMT & paramedic student. Those who were close to her ask that we honor her by sharing her story with every woman who values her health.

**The Michele Baldwin cause has become known as the Starry Ganga SUP Expedition for HPV / Cervical Cancer. http://on.fb.me/FBStarryGangaExp   Michele was followed by professional filmmakers who documented the journey so be sure to watch the above video as a preview of what you can glean from her experience. To donate to the cause, find out more about HPV/Cervical Cancer and or learn more about Michele’s adventure please visit her website at http://starryganga.com/