SEATTLE – In Puget Sound this time of year sailboats race with the wind. But, there's another driving force at work, the power of pink.
"It's kind of a pink explosion, it's great," explained sailor and breast cancer survivor, Michele Bennett. "Whatever pink you can find in your closet, you drag it out and put it on."
Then, climb aboard with the Pink Boat Regatta where it's all hands on deck to not only have fun, but to support breast cancer research.
"It's my way to give back and give to the community," said Tammy Walker. She was diagnosed with breast cancer a few years ago, now she sails with the Pink Boat Regatta.
This weekend breast cancer survivors, their friends and family will compete in open water races to raise money for breast cancer research done right here in Seattle.
"They are a dedicated group," said Dr. Julie Gralow from Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. "This is all about partnership. They want to support us and we want to do better things for them. It just allows us to do the work that needs to be done".
Breast cancer physicians, Dr. Mary Claire King and Dr. Gralow lead the way when it comes to ground breaking research and clinical trials. Their work at the University of Washington and Seattle Cancer Care Alliance saves lives. But, it takes funding and donations to make new discoveries and more progress.
Dr. King, Professor of Genome Sciences at UW Medicine said, "We need to be at the point where every woman who is diagnosed can look forward to a life after breast cancer, look forward to sailing with her friends, to hanging out with her children and grandchildren. We are all here for the same reason."
We're all in the same boat with the same destination, to end cancer. And, the Pink Boat Regatta is definitely onboard. There's no place they'd rather be than sailing happily and healthily into the sunset.
"And that's exactly it, I could spend forever on the water and be totally happy, said breast cancer survivor and sailor, Catherine Picha. "It's the perfect place to be."
Team Evening would like to thank the Port of Seattle, Shilshole Bay Marina and the Seattle Yacht Club for helping us out with our story.
Here are details for this weekend's events:
The national not for profit Pink Boat Regatta® is hosting the Seattle event in support of breast cancer research and cures. Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, a nationally recognized cancer treatment center, that combines doctors from Fred Hutch, Seattle Children's and UW Medicine, is an event sponsor.
Saturday, September 12, 2015 – Fundraising Dinner 6:30 -10:00 PM
Enjoy a delicious dinner with 84 other guests, learn about and support the latest progress in breast cancer research aboard the historic Virginia V, Shilshole Bay H dock.
Sunday, September 13th, 2015 – Open Water Sailing Competition
9:00 – 10:00 AM Registration / 12:00 – 3:00 PM Open Sail
Join a race boat, or donate to any participating boats that will sail. Cost is $50.00 per participant; register here.
Events are open to sailors of all skill levels, and to anyone who wants to support breast cancer research. Sponsorship, racing and sailing opportunities for breast cancer survivors are available.
