Castaways Against Cancer:
Honor. Fight. Celebrate.
The Castaways Against Cancer is focused on funding cancer research and honoring those who have fought the fight.
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 they endure 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 affected by 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, raising millions for ground-breaking cancer research. 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 still fuels the Castaways and its community of supporters today. Patrick Linfors, a legendary Castaway and one of the original four kayakers, sums it up perfectly: “We’ve come so far in so many ways, but so much more needs to be done. We do this for a cure.”
In the end, it's simple. The Castaways kayak, cycle, and run, and your donations keep hope alive for a world that's one day, cancer-free.
2026 - The Ring the Bell Tour
“Honoring the Red, White, and Bruise”
In 2026, America will celebrate 250 years of independence, a milestone forever linked to the ringing of a bell. For the Castaways Against Cancer, that sound holds an even deeper meaning.
It is the sound of victory—the moment a patient signals their own hard-fought freedom from treatment.
The 2026 "Ring the Bell" Tour will honor this dual legacy of liberty. From the kayakers, cyclists, and runners completing their journey to Key West, to the fighters concluding their battle with cancer, we ride to ensure freedom rings for everyone.
The Paddle: Check out the interactive map below to get an idea of our notable/historical stops along the way. Our specific stops have changed over the years but the general route has stayed consistent. Click around and see pictures and some funny/informative stories.
The Cycle: This is the route Javi Hermida and his 3 teammates took on their inaugural ride in 2020. Click on the map to navigate to their Strava log for the ride.
The Run: This is the route Vince & Paige took on their inaugural ride in 2023. 75 miles each.
