Aloha my dear ohana and friends,

I'm doing it, AGAIN! And just thinking about it makes my spirit soar any my heart overflow.

Being part of the cancer community is hard; and I am one of the lucky ones, I am a survivor/thriver and with that, for me anyways, is an obligation (and huge honour) to support those in this community who may not be as lucky as me. It has been over 25 years since cancer was cut from my body and the chemo and radiation therapies ravaged the rest of my body and tried its damnedest to take my spirit.

Those of you who know me well, know that I do not take these years for granted. When an opportunity or challenge presents itself, I find it hard to back down. Especially if taking that challenge helps others.

I've run marathons and biked crazy distances in even crazier weather and paddled dragon boats and climbed an insane number of stairs and competed in triathlons and stayed up all night working at casinos. I've pushed my body to its limit to help raise money for causes that are close to my heart. So you better believe that when this incredible opportunity to PADDLE a 6 person outrigger, with a team of fellow survivors, ON THE OCEAN, crossing from Maui to Lanai and back, to raise money to help people with cancer, I grabbed it with both hands and am holding it close to my heart!

I have been working hard all summer to prepare for this voyage and I am strong. Even so, I know this is not a light-hearted voyage, we will be in the middle of the ocean and I am not naive.

With your help I will raise at least $250.00 for the Pacific Cancer Foundation.

'A'ohe hana nui ke alu 'ia.
- No task is too big when done together by all. -

(((((hugs)))))

Much love, Joanie