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 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 $2.7 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 cursing 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.
2025 - The Bigger Boat Tour
“Take a Bite Out of Cancer”
Florida Keys legend, Big Mo is the 20-foot-long hammerhead shark that lurks beneath the Seven Mile Bridge. Stories of the massive shark smashing through tarpon grabbed a hold of locals right when the Castaways Against Cancer began kayaking those waters.
Like the stories of Big Mo, cancer can be a scary monster. That’s why the Castaways Against Cancer will fight back against the darkness of the
depths in 2025 with the Bigger Boat Tour! We need to fill this “bigger boat” with kayakers, cyclists, runners, landlubbers, and donors who support the mission of funding cancer research and honoring those who’ve fought the fight.
As the Castaways honor, fight, and celebrate, come support the Bigger Boat Tour and help “take a bite out of cancer!”
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.
