05/29/2026
🌊 Dam to Dam Spotlight: Meet Leia Goodgold, who will be paddling with us for our 3rd Annual Dam to Dam on June 12. 🧡
For Leia, this journey is about more than miles on the water. After years of living with chronic pain, she never imagined she would be able to live the way she does now. She has been pain-free for several years and successfully off medication. What started as small steps has turned into a complete shift in how she experiences life — hiking alone, completing her first solo national park hike, lifting heavier in the gym, and even learning to play tennis. Each challenge has strengthened both her confidence and resilience, physically and mentally.
Leia is paddling in honor of her family and the experiences that have shaped her journey, including her mom who passed away from cancer in 2024 and supporting her dad, a colon cancer survivor living with dementia. Through it all, she has discovered the power of perseverance, gratitude, and community.
“Participating in Dam to Dam is a way to honor my family, celebrate the strength I’ve regained, and connect with others through a shared purpose.” ~ Leia
Some of Leia’s favorites:
🧀 Snack: Cheese (almost any kind!)
🥤 Beverage: Coke Zero
✨ Inspirational sayings (from her aunt): “Live fully, love deeply, and enjoy life immensely.” “God made you who you are because He thought you’d enjoy it.”
Leia, thank you for paddling with purpose and helping support our local cancer community. We are honored to have you on this journey with us! 🙌🧡
