Castaways Against Cancer

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Castaways Against Cancer

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Kayaking, cycling, and running from Miami to Key West to fund cancer research & honor those who have fought the fight. In the end, it's quite simple.

Over $2.5M raised since 2000 thanks to our supporters. The Castaways Against Cancer is a 100% volunteer non-profit comprised of fun-loving, mission-driven individuals focused on fighting cancer. What makes this team unique is the series of arduous journeys it endures every summer from Miami to Key West. Kayakers paddle 160 miles over seven days, runners relay 170 miles over two days, and cyclists pedal the same 170 miles in one grueling day, all to raise money, awareness, and honor those who have battled cancer. What began with a group of four sea-hippies on the water in 2000 has grown into a powerful movement with dozens of volunteers that has raised more than $1.9 million in the fight against cancer. The Castaways Against Cancer continues to be fueled by the original mission of its founder, Steve O'Brien, who more than two decades ago, got in his kayak after losing his mother to cancer. O'Brien was inspired to "light a candle rather than cursing the darkness," which is what the Castaways and its community of supporters continue to do. The Castaways kayak, cycle, and run, donations help the world fight cancer, and we all pray for a cure.

10/12/2026

When you tell the Castaways you’ve got one more mile in you… 💀😂

10/10/2026

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re proud to recognize longtime Castaways paddler, Suzy Curry!

Suzy recently participated in a breast cancer awareness walk, continuing to show her support for those impacted by this disease.

Whether she’s paddling with the Castaways or walking for a cause close to her heart, Suzy continues to inspire us. We’re proud to have her as part of the Castaways family!

10/02/2026

26.2 miles!! 🏃‍♀️👏

Huge congrats to Castaways Nicole Sardina and Pam Perez on completing the Boulderthon Marathon in Colorado!

Amazing job, ladies — way to represent Castaways!

10/01/2026

🎀 This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re putting research into action.

This October, Castaways Against Cancer will donate $60,000 to support research led by Rumela Chakrabarti, Ph.D. at the University of Miami, focused on understanding how triple-negative breast cancer spreads to the brain.

The goal: uncover new vulnerabilities that could lead to more effective treatments and better options for patients.

This is where your support goes. This is why we paddle, run and ride.

09/29/2026

🏃‍♂️ Quarry Quest is BACK! 💙

We’re excited to once again be the beneficiary of CEMEX’s annual Quarry Quest 5K/10K! Join us on February 6 for a one-of-a-kind run through the CEMEX FEC Quarry, with proceeds benefiting Castaways Against Cancer and our mission to fight cancer. 🎗️

📅 Saturday, February 6, 2027
⏰ Race starts at 7:30 AM
📍 CEMEX FEC Quarry

A huge thank you to CEMEX for continuing to support the Castaways year after year. 💙

🎟️ Register today and race for a cause!

09/26/2026

$800 raised for Castaways Against Cancer!

Throughout the month of August, Papa Joe’s Waterfront in Islamorada hosted a guest check fundraiser, giving their customers the opportunity to support our mission — and together, they raised an incredible $800!

A huge thank you to Etta, the entire Papa Joe’s team and everyone who contributed. We’re so grateful to have local businesses and community members continuing to show up in the fight against cancer.

09/21/2026

Castaways merch delivery with a special assistant!

Castaway Armando stopped by Christopher Columbus High School to drop off some gear — with a little extra help along the way. Love seeing the next generation get involved in spreading the Castaways cheer!

09/18/2026

🔔 We rang the bell — and what a way to close out the tour.

The Castaways Against Cancer officially wrapped up our 2026 Ring the Bell Tour by presenting a $200,000 check to Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in support of cancer research and the fight for a cure.

This moment belongs to every paddler, volunteer, sponsor, donor, supporter, and loved one who inspired us along the way.

09/08/2026

Throwing it back to the moment this year’s journey officially began. 💙🌊

Our ceremonial first stroke was led by Suzy Curry, cancer survivor and longtime Castaway. With one powerful stroke, she sent our team into the water with hope, purpose, and a shared commitment to making a difference in the fight against cancer.

09/04/2026

From Columbus to the Keys!

Our Junior Castaways showed us that you’re never too young to make a difference. This summer, they laced up and joined the Castaways runners on the Ring the Bell Tour, bringing their energy, heart and commitment to the journey. We can’t wait to see what this year has in store for them!

Address

Castaways Against Cancer 8724 Sunset Drive #357
Miami, FL
33173

Website

http://www.castawaysagainstcancer.org/

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