Standup For The Cure Raises The Bar In 2014

The Pink Parade at Stand Up For the Cure | Photo: Harry Wiewel

NEWPORT BEACH, California - Once again the folks at the Ambry Genetics Standup for the Cure Presented by Riviera Paddlesurf and Kaiser Permanente have raised the bar for Fundraising and for the Standup Paddle Industry. Standup for the Cure’s unique Family friendly format has contributed to industry growth and has raised over $300,000 to date.

The legendary SUP Chicks | Photo: Harry Wiewel 

This past weekend, the team at Standup for the Cure (SUFTC) hosted the 3rd Annual Event to raise money and awareness for early Breast Cancer Detection, Research and Treatment at the Newport Dunes Resort in Orange County, Ca.  Participants traveled from as far as Boston to take part in what has become the World’s largest Standup Paddling event and leader in Women’s Health Fundraising.  “Our Mission is to Have Fun while saving lives” says Standup for the Cure’s Judie Vivian who is a Breast Cancer Survivor and tireless advocate for the event.

Sure, Standup for the Cure is a Race, but it also offers Breast Cancer and Melanoma Screening, Genetic Counseling, great food, live music, a Health/Fitness expo with more than 50 vendors and the camaraderie and sense of community that Standup Paddling has come to represent. “Think of us as a giant support group for victims and survivors of Breast Cancer” Vivian says, “We’re introducing women to Standup Paddling’s healthy lifestyle, screening for two dreadful types of cancer and having a blast.”

Image: Harry Wiewel | Photo: Harry Wiewel

Over 1000 participants donned Pink Jerseys in tribute to Survivors and Victims of Breast Cancer. The day began with a Hawaiian Blessing and the release of dozens of White Doves to symbolize the dream of a world Free of Breast Cancer. SUFTC’s Professional crew of paddlers, led by Zane Schwietzer, guided the Team of Survivors, including “Pink Promise” Team leaders Suzanne Yeo and Georganna Hall Wadsack on a “Victory Lap” of the lagoon before the horn blew for the Annual “Sea of Pink” 5k SUP Race. Following the 5k, our Junior Breast Cancer Supporters hit the water for their 500 meter race and the Pro paddlers in attendance participated in the first ever Pro SUP Barrel Race. Mo Freitas dominated the field which included Matt Becker, Zane Schwietzer, Kala Alexander and Rob Rojas. Kala Alexander and Zane Schwietzer co-captained the Ambry Genetics Relay team to a win over our Top Fundraising teams which included the SUP Chicks who, once again raised more money than any other team…3 years in a row.

About Standup For The Cure

Standup for the Cure (SUFTC) is a local 501c3 formed for the express purpose of raising funds and awareness for early breast cancer detection, research and treatment. Founded in 2011, Standup for the Cure is fully supported by generous donations from their partners: Ambry Genetics, Riviera Paddlesurf, Kaiser Permanente, Emery Financial, Maui Jim, Kona Brewing Company, Barefoot Wine with support from Zonal Clothing, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Gardein and a host of Vendors and Volunteers who take part each year. “It’s a real team effort,” says Event Director, Dan Van Dyck, “We all have our strengths, from Judie’s unsurpassed energy and passion to our sponsors support and our volunteer’s generosity.  We are a true “Family”!  Standup for the Cure is a year-long campaign which not only raises a ton of money, but includes growing the sport of Standup Paddling as part of our mission.  I think we take that spirit of Community and Giving farther than any other event.”