Kiteboarding 4 Cancer is a unique on-the-water recreational fundraiser to support cancer research in the battle to find a cure. Kiteboarders raise pledge money for one of KB4C’s partnering cancer research organization, the John Wayne Cancer Foundation, then ride a course on the water all day. Participating kiteboarders can win prizes for most money raised for their organization, longest distance kiteboarded, and best freestyle expression, because, after all — this is kiteboarding. Click here to participate as a kiteboarder!
We recognized, while talking to people about KB4C, that through our own personal experience or relationships with family, friends, and others in our communities, most of us have been touched by cancer. This is a common thread that unites our community, aiming to reach one common goal:
To cure cancer.
If you’ve been close to cancer, you know the feeling of helplessness — there’s nothing you can do but sit around and wait for answers and test results. Personally, this was not enough for me to acceptingly walk away with. Having asked the question of the oncologists and doctors, “what is it that I, or someone, can do?” The answer that I got was the same: “Research.” Ok, I can’t do that. But the journeys through cancer illness and health are continually impacted by biomedical discoveries and groundbreaking tools from research. This research for cause, prevention, detection and treatment is a mission that requires ongoing funding. Hence, KB4C came about!
KB4C is a pledge-per-mile event where participants kiteboard a set course for distance to raise money for participating cancer awareness and research organizations. Participants can win sponsor prizes in three categories: Most money raised, longest distance kiteboarding, and best freestyle expression. The first KB4C will take place on August 25, 2007 in beautiful Hood River, Oregon. Our goal for 2008 is to raise $50,000 for our partnering cancer research and awareness organizations:
Event Organizers:
Tonia Farman:
Tonia had a vision for Kiteboarding 4 Cancer while going through her brother’s experience with Leukemia, and watching him battle for his life. Scott continues to fight his cancer at Children’s Hospital in Seattle, and is currently in line for a bone marrow transplant. Tonia also happens to have served as a leader in the kiteboarding arena since the sport first took off in 2001. She managed marketing efforts for various kiteboarding brands, contributes to multiple publications about the sport, and continues to be involved at various levels in the industry. Tonia founded the Women’s Kiteboarding Association, which instructs, mentors, and promotes women in the sport through community-supported clinics and events.
Garret Zallen:
Garret creates smiles and hope everyday at OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital in Portland, Oregon. As Assistant Professor of Surgery at the hospital, Garret performs pediatric surgery, and miracles, for kids with life-threatening illnesses. His calming demeanor, compassion, and connection with children gives the kids at OHSU hope and optimism for recovery. Garret kiteboards when he is not improving lives, and connected with Tonia while kiteboarding in the Gorge. Garret also had a vision for KB4C as a way to give back to the community through something he loves to do and for a cause in which he believes and deals with everyday.
Gregg Gnecco:
Gregg worked as Marketing & Media Director for Real Kiteboarding, a kiteboarding school & retailer in Hatteras, NC for 5 years, organizing events, promoting the school and the sport, and making new kiteboarders everyday. He has followed kiteboarding around the globe as photographer and videographer, capturing amateur and professional riders. His work can be seen in most kiteboarding publications, Outside Magazine, and various multimedia portals. Gregg met Tonia on a kiteboarding business trip, and 3 years later, moved to Washington state to be with her, taking his talents in both kiteboarding and photography to the Columbia River Gorge.
