The second annual Paddle Against Cancer is expected to bring together more than 50 stand-up paddleboarders to benefit Moffitt Cancer Center this Saturday, May 26 at The Club at Treasure Island.
The event was created by Gene Evans, Stage 4 kidney cancer survivor and Senior Vice President at USAmeriBank. Inspired by his desire to give back to Moffitt and support other cancer survivors, the first annual Paddle Against Cancer raised $17,000, a great success for an event that had an initial fundraising goal of $2,000.
Gene is a three-year survivor and attributes his successful fight against cancer to his positive attitude and active lifestyle (he paddleboards 3-4 times per week). He appeared on Studio 10 this week with his neurosurgeon Frank Vrionis, discussing how his focus on living a healthy lifestyle has helped him overcome cancer.
Free and open to the public, the three-mile and the seven-mile paddle event will begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by a poolside celebration from noon to 4 p.m. at The Club at Treasure Island.
The paddleboarders in the event will be making donations to Moffitt, and for others who would like to make a contribution, visit www.moffitt.org/giving and click on “Make a Donation Now.” Select “Gifts in Honor” and specify Gene Evans/Paddle Against Cancer. For more information about the event, call 727-288-7390.