Miami-Dade County renames section of Hobie Beach as Castaways Against Cancer Beach

On Saturday, June 8, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, District 7 Commissioner Raquel Regalado, and Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department Director Maria I. Nardi joined the leadership of Castaways Against Cancer to officially inaugurate a section of Hobie Beach on Key Biscayne as Castaways Against Cancer Beach. For the past 25 years, the local non-profit has used the Hobie Beach site to launch from for an annual kayaking trip to Key West that raises money for the fight against cancer.

“Cancer does not discriminate; most of us know someone who has been affected by this disease,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “I am very proud of this effort to honor those impacted by cancer and those who fight against it, by renaming this beach that holds so much significance for so many.”

The renaming came through a unanimous vote by the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners, who wanted to honor Castaways Against Cancer for all the years that the organization has raised awareness and funding for cancer research through its yearly 170-mile, weeklong sea voyage.

“Castaways Against Cancer have dedicated a quarter of a century to supporting those affected by cancer and advancing research for a cure,” said Miami-Dade County District 7 Commissioner Raquel Regalado, who spearheaded the effort. “I am grateful for their service and very pleased to play a part in furthering their critical cause.”

This year’s Castaways Against Cancer kayaking trip set sail on Saturday, June 8, at 7 a.m., from the newly minted namesake beach. They carried with them a banner containing over 2,000 names of cancer patients who contributed to their fundraising efforts. A group of runners will depart on Wednesday, June 12^th, and a group of cyclists will depart on Friday, June 14^th, all reuniting with the kayakers on Simonton Beach in Key West on Friday, June 14^th.

“Our parks bring the community together. They are places of resilience, strength and healing. We are thrilled to acknowledge the work of Castaways Against Cancer through the renaming of this section of Hobie Beach as Castaways Against Cancer Beach,” said Miami-Dade Parks Director Maria I. Nardi.

“This is one of the most exciting things that’s ever happened to us. We got our start as four guys on a kayak, determined to bring hope to the terrible darkness that cancer brings. We never imagined how big our movement would grow. It’s truly humbling,” said Captain of the Castaways Eric Pino, adding that the organization’s goal now is to “raise as much money as possible to end this terrible disease.”

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About Castaways Against Cancer:

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 $2.3 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 curse the darkness," which is what the Castaways and its community of supporters continue to do.

In the end, it's quite simple. The Castaways kayak, cycle, and run, donations help the world fight cancer, and we all pray for a cure.

To make a donation or for questions please reach out to:

JACKIE SUAREZ, COMMUNICATIONS CHAIR, CASTAWAYS AGAINST CANCER

[email protected]

8724 Sunset Drive #357

Miami, FL 33173-3512