San Diego Yacht Club hosts 6th Healing Sail event
by Cathy Cardenas 6 Apr 2016 14:43 BST
5 April 2016
San Diego Yacht Club hosts 6th Healing Sail event © Trisha Boisvert
Cancer is a reality that has become far too common for many people and their families. Recent statistics have shown that currently each year over 12.7 million people discover they have cancer and 7.6 million people die from the disease annually and the numbers will only continue to grow until a medical cure is found. As many know, a cancer diagnosis not only affects the patient, but it can take a serious toll on their families and caregivers.
While many clinical researchers are committed to finding a cure and promising steps are made every day, some are also dedicated to improving the experience for patients and families during this highly-sensitive time in their lives.
With the goal of providing more joyful experiences along the way, a Massachusetts-based non-profit was chartered several years ago with support from the Italian high-end watch brand Panerai, as a community tie-in to its classic yacht regattas that are hosted annually in New England. The result is Sailing Heals, a 501(c)(3) that provides days of healing and relaxation for patients and families (called "VIPs") undergoing a serious health setback, such as cancer.
Since beginning in 2011, Sailing Heals - with support from Panerai, Eisai Pharmaceuticals and private donors - has hosted seaside lunches and yachting events in over 20 ports in 9 different states for nearly 1,900 VIP guests.
On April 23rd, 2016, Sailing Heals is pleased to partner with Host Captains from San Diego Yacht Club and UCSD Moore's Cancer Center to offer its 6th healing sail in the area, the last five being held at San Diego Yacht Club.
The 2-hour sail comes with a complimentary lunch, courtesy of CJ Charles Jewelers of La Jolla. Local Meteorologist and news personality Jacqueline Bennet will be on hand to enjoy the day with the guests as well.
UCSD Moore's Cancer Center CEO, Dr. Scott Lippman, said this about the organization, "Sailing Heals and the Host Captains from San Diego Yacht Club offers our patients who are going through one of the greatest challenges in life a chance to get away from it all and simply enjoy a healing day out on a beautiful boat on the water with family and friends. The joy and memories that result can last forever. Several patients have come back with so many great stories that I've even began "prescribing" a day with Sailing Heals to some. And, one of the best things about the program is that it is free!"
Invitations to participate in the Sailing Heals program are by word-of-mouth through medical personnel.
"Cancer took a back seat that day; we had the time of our lives." – L. Duff, VIP Guest
www.sailingheals.org