Canoeists raise funds for cancer research

Barry McNaughton, owner of Padillac Boats and Hilton native, recently hosted Canoeing for Cancer, a fundraiser for the Sally Edelman and Harry Gardner Cancer Research Foundation.

Six teams sailed a five-mile course that began off of Bennett Road near Hilton High School and concluded at Breakers at Bayview, allowing for a few stops along the way for refreshments. The September 21 voyage netted more than $1,000 for the charity and began what will now be an annual event.

Karen Sparks, who works at the Willow Inn, was part of the three-person team that raised the most money. Her group combined for a total of $780. Sparks said some of the money came from Willow Inn patrons and other places along the bay.

"They all knew we (Sparks, Ron Mura and Sandy Smith) would be the comic relief of the race," said Sparks. "They were willing to donate extra if we fell in the water and extra if we completed the race."

While the event was filled with laughter, Sparks is sincerely dedicated to the cause. She lost her mother in a battle with pancreatic cancer and worries about her daughter who is at high risk of breast cancer due to family history.

"If we can do anything to help eliminate any types of cancer, or even if we can help make patients more comfortable that would be great," said Sparks.

George Edelman Jr. echoes that sentiment. He began the Research Foundation after his wife, Sally, lost her fight with cancer 20 years ago. The foundation carefully scrutinizes projects, doctors and hospitals seeking funds and then selects those that will be funded. The members of the foundation work on a volunteer basis, and therefore, 100 percent of the funds raised at events go to the cause.

Recently, the foundation established a research award to support collaborative basic science, translational, or clinical cancer research at the James P. Wilmot Cancer Center. The $250,000 award - $50,000 per year for five years - continues the foundation's long-standing support for the Cancer Center.

"We really appreciate the efforts of people like Barry," said Edelman. "With all of the fundraisers we hold it gets to be too much for one person to handle." The foundation holds annual golf tournaments, card tournaments, walk-a-thons, and bike-a-thons. McNaughton said he was pleased with the event's first run and plans to organize another run for next year.

"Everyone knows someone that has died of cancer," said McNaughton. "We're just trying to knock down whatever part of it we can."

Teams of adults interested in participating in this event next year can call McNaughton at 392-0472.