SEAL BEACH
HUNTINGTON BEACH
Paddlers to journey 32 miles for sarcoma
August 23rd, 2007, 5:04 pm · Post a Comment · posted by Laylan Connelly
Matt Belanger, 32 and of Costa Mesa, knows what cancer can do to families. His father died of brain cancer two years ago. His friend’s mother is currently battling sarcoma, a cancer of the connective tissue.
That’s why he’ll be paddling 32 miles from Catalina to Manhattan Beach on Aug. 26. He’s one of 25 paddlers involved in Ocean of Hope, a program that raises money for the Sarcoma Alliance.
The alliance, started by Newport Beach sarcoma victim Suzanne Leider in the late 90’s, provides support and education to people affected by sarcoma. Ocean of Hope helps transform the yearly Catalina Classic paddleboarding race into a charity event.
Hundreds will turn out at the finish line at the Manhattan Beach pier, decked in yellow and black. Those involved say the end of the race is a real “party,” something to combat the stress of both sarcoma and the grueling 32-mile course.
“You go through a full range of emotions — happy, angry, mad — you get everything out on the ocean,” Belanger said. “You think of the people you’re paddling for, I think of my dad when I’m paddling out there. My first year doing it after my dad passed was an emotional year. I remember seeing the pier in the distance and knowing that that was the finish line.”
Ocean of Hope president Mark Schulein, of Newport, said last year’s event — the most successful yet — raised more than $70,000 for the Alliance. This year, they’ve already surpassed $60,000. You can donate to the cause here.
Directions from Orange County: Take the 405 north. Exit Inglewood Avenue. Turn left on Inglewood. Turn right at Manhattan Beach Blvd. The best time to show up is between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., Aug. 26.
Look for a longer feature in the Register about Ocean of Hope after the race. Until then, read more stories from the sea at ocregister.com/beaches.
