Virginia Beach, Va. - Raising awareness about breast cancer -- through surfing.
That's what Surf for the Cure aims to do. The inaugural event takes place right here at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront.
The event will help raise breast cancer awareness, support the local chapter of Susan G. Komen Tidewater, and will provide a day of fun for survivors and anyone in the community who is interested in supporting a great cause.
The Wahine Surf Club of Virginia Beach is putting on the event, with the help of supporters including Sentara, Coastal Edge, and Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
Surf for the Cure Director, Cindy Stokes of the Wahine Surf Club, is dedicated to making the event a success. Her husband, surfer Brian Stokes, lost his grandmother to breast cancer.
"It's the only surfing event in the world offering breast cancer screening on site, and we're very proud to have Sentara support this great cause and this event. A lot of people can do skin cancer screening, but to do a breast cancer screening? And having it here? It's really exciting. It's an 18-wheeler, its huge!"
That's right -- Sentara Mobile Mammography Unit will be on site at the event, providing mammograms to those who have signed up and are covered by insurance.
The event will feature surfing, SUP, kayak, and Surfski contests; surf clinics; vendors; live entertainment; raffles; silent auction; and most importantly, mammograms provided by Sentara Mobile Mammography Unit.
The Wahine Surf Club is an avid promoter of an active and healthy lifestyle. They know that being in the water, whether it be surfing, paddleboarding, or even bodyboarding - is healing.
The Surf for the Cure event is very close to the Wahines' hearts. Joanna Wilson, a member of Wahine Surf Club, is a breast cancer survivor. The ocean, and surfing, have been extremely therapeautic for her as she has battled the disease.
"I'm really excited about Surf for the Cure," says Wilson. "They're going to be doing something that they love, and it's for a great cause. It really means a lot to me, because I was diagnosed with breast cancer last September. I had my surgery in December and I am now going through chemo and radiation. It's a very hard process."
Wilson says her fight is not yet over -- and that Surf for the Cure will not only raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research --it will empower women through surfing.
"My whole main purpose is to fight. I have a 9-year-old daughter and it's not over yet. I've got to stay here with her. And I am so excited they are doing this, and raising awareness, and raising money, while doing something that they love -- surfing."
Surf for the Cure will be held at the First Street Jetty on October 11 starting at 7 a.m. For more information, CLICK HERE.
Related:
Surf for the Cure Facebook Page
