On June 17, a group of intrepid kayakers and cyclists pulled into Key West Simonton Beach. For the paddlers, it was the end of a grueling one-week, 160-mile trek from Miami’s Virginia Key to the southernmost island. For the cyclists, it was just as taxing a trip, but faster – 175 miles in a single day. And it’s all in the name of cancer research.
“It was simply awesome,” said Jackie Suarez, the communications volunteer lead for Castaways Against Cancer, the organization that sponsors the yearly paddle to raise money dedicated to fight the deadly disease. “We surpassed our goal of $200,000 by raising $205,000 to date, and it’s still growing.”
Funds raised from the trip will go to the University of Miami’s Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. In February 2022, the Castaways announced a five-year, $1.5 million pledge to the research institute, and the University of Miami has pledged to match 50% of the funds raised by the adventurers each year.
Paddlers take a brief break from their long journey for a sandbar hangout. 
A memorial pays tribute to those who have fought valiant battles against cancer. 
The 2022 Castaways Against Cancer kayak team, from left: Caleb Isenberg, Roger Dabdab, Kari Linfors, team captain Eric Pino, Suzy Cury, Castaways founder Steve O’Brien, Patrick Linfors, Paul Kumer, Jaime Lemus and Omar Beceiro. 
MCSO detective Ian Barnett helps keep the Castaways safe on their paddle. 
The 2022 Castaways Against Cancer cyclist team, from left: Tim Rea, Emilio Pineda, Jorge Bustamante, Josh Kantor, Andy Martinez, Dani Girado, Eric Stabaneu, Javi Hermida, Jesus Lopez and Stephanie Weldon. 
Calm waters make a 160-mile trip a little easier. CONTRIBUTED
