2024 Press Release

Iconic section of Hobie Beach is officially rebranded as Castaways Against Cancer Beach

Key Biscayne, FL - June 2024 - The Miami-Dade Board of Commissioners has unanimously approved “Castaways Against Cancer Beach” as the official name for the section of Hobie Beach that the group sets sail from every year for their tour.  

For the past 25 years, the nonprofit has launched from the same location in Key Biscayne - next to Biscayne Dog-Friendly Park and across from Mast Academy -  for their 170-mile weeklong journey to Key West to raise money and awareness for cancer. This year’s 2024 “Here Comes the Sun tour” becomes that much sweeter with the honor of having this coveted spot named after the organization. 

“This is one of the most exciting things that’s ever happened to us,” said Eric Pino, Captain of the Castaways. “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.”

The Castaways Against Cancer is a 100% volunteer nonprofit where members kayak, cycle and run from Miami to Key West to raise money and awareness for cancer. They’ve raised over $2.5 million in the fight against cancer and partner with the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center to fund breakthrough cancer research. 

Miami-Dade Commissioner and District Leader, Raquel Regalado, spearheaded the effort because she believes the organization is a Miami staple that has had a profound impact on the community. 

“The Castaways Against Cancer have dedicated a quarter of a century to supporting those affected by cancer and advancing research for a cure,” Regalado said. “I am grateful for their service and very pleased to play a part in furthering their critical cause.” 

The group of kayakers sets sail for Key West on Saturday, June 8th at 7 AM on Castaways Against Cancer Beach. The runners and cyclists leave several days later. They all meet at Simonton Beach in Key West on Friday, June 14th in celebration of another year of cancer fighting.  During their arduous journey, they carry a banner with over 2,000 names of people who have battled cancer and contributed to their cause. It serves as a reminder of why they remain steadfast in their mission, regardless of how challenging it might be. 

“Our goal is to raise as much money as possible to end this terrible disease,” Pino said. “We have so much hope, but we need as much support as possible. Thank you, South Florida, for your generosity.” 

Make a difference today by donating to the Castaways Against Cancer. For questions, please reach out to Jackie Suarez: jackiemonty03@gmail.com.

CBS 4 “Miami Proud” Coverage

2024 Tour Kickoff

The Castaway’s 25th year of caner-fighting is kicked off in style at this year’s Tour Kickoff Party.

MIAMI, FLA. - February 24, 2024 – The Castaways recently hosted their annual Tour Kickoff at Christopher Columbus High School in Miami, commemorating 25 years of cancer-fighting in the city. At the event, they unveiled a timeline featuring memorable moments from each year, accompanied by artifacts such as pictures of the original founding members, the day the Castaways secured an official beer sponsorship with Tank, the introduction of the next toilet seat for Toilet Seat Pass, and their inaugural tweet related to Hanukkah. Over 300 people attended the wonderful evening that featured an acoustic set, live art being painted, and the perfect Castaway vibe throughout the family-centric event. A great start to the 25th tour—Here Comes The Sun.

2023 Tour Kickoff

Castaways Against Cancer Kick Off 2023 “Ridiculous Stunt Tour” and Continue on the Path Toward $1.5Million by 2027 

The mission-driven volunteers prepare for their 160-mile journey from Miami to Key West to benefit the University of Miami’s Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center

MIAMI, FLA. - February, 4, 2023 – Honoring World Cancer Day, the Castaways Against Cancer officially kicked off their 24th annual tour with a celebration event at Christopher Columbus High School on Saturday surrounded by 200 of their supporters. Among them, the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of UHealth - the University of Miami Health System, the nationally ranked center the Castaways officially signed a partnership with last year with the goal to raise $1.5 million for cancer research by 2027. Last year, the Castaways raised over $300,000 towards the goal.

 "The launch of our tour is always such an exciting time for us,” said Eric Pino, Captain of Castaways Against Cancer and teacher at Columbus High School.  “We’ve quadrupled our growth as an organization since our start, but that hasn’t changed our mission. We are still 100% volunteer-driven, and passionate about a cause that has cut too close for all of us.  This year is even more special as we honor World Cancer Day with all of our supporters and with our amazing partner, Sylvester.”

During a fun-filled family event at Christopher Columbus High School, the team kicked off it’s 2023 “Ridiculous Stunt” tour and unveiled the new tour logo, a tradition that officially signals the start of the new season of kayaking, cycling – and this year running – to fundraise and fight cancer. The theme, Ridiculous Stunt - Somersaulting Towards Hope, started out as a sarcastic joke by one of the Castaways cyclists but has now become the group’s resolve.  It aims to capture how the arduous 160+ mile journey might seem like a “ridiculous stunt” to many, but it’s done to provide much-needed hope for everyone around the world impacted by cancer. And that hope comes through the important funds the group raises for Sylvester.

The Castaways Against Cancer have supported Sylvester for the last four years.  All money raised by the group has funded breakthrough research projects for lymphoma, pediatric brain tumors and early cancer detection among others. In the partnership, Sylvester is matching funds raised by the Castaways two to one.

The 2023 Ridiculous Stunt Tour will launch on June 10, where team members will paddle 160 miles from Miami to Key West for seven days – a trip they’ve completed every year since 2000.  Joining the paddlers one week later, a team of Castaways cyclists will embark on the same arduous journey in just one day.  And this year, for the first time, the Castaways will welcome a small group of runners that will run from Miami to Key West in order to drive to the cause.

“Our community continues to grow as we get more and more buy in from people wanting to partake in this ‘ridiculous stunt’ with us, and we couldn’t be more excited,” Pino said. “It is what keeps our resolve and our commitment steadfast and strong.”

2022 Tour Kickoff

Castaways Against Cancer Launch $1.5M 5-Year Partnership with the Sylvester

Comprehensive Cancer Center and Kick Off 2022 Carry On Tour

The mission-driven volunteers prepare for their 160-mile journey from Miami to Key West with

one bold goal in mind: eradicating cancer

MIAMI, FLA. - February, 4, 2022 – Honoring World Cancer Day on Friday, the Castaways Against

Cancer announced a new partnership with the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of

UHealth - the University of Miami Health System, with the goal of raising $1.5 million for cancer

research in the next five years. During a ceremony at Christopher Columbus High School, the

team kicked off it’s 2022 Carry On tour and unveiled the new tour logo in front of hundreds of

faculty and students. 

“We’ve been raising money for cancer research for over two decades, and throughout that

time, we’ve raised more than $1.5 million,” said Eric Pino, Captain of Castaways Against Cancer

and teacher at Columbus High School. “I’m excited to ramp up our goal and raise that money in

just five years with the help of Sylvester. They are an amazing organization, and we’re honored

to fight alongside with them.”

The Castaways Against Cancer have supported Sylvester for the last two years. All money

raised by the group has funded breakthrough research projects for lymphoma, pediatric brain

tumors and early cancer detection among others. With the new partnership, Sylvester commits

to matching funds raised by the Castaways two to one.

“We are thankful to the Castaways Against Cancer for partnering with us,” said Stephen D.

Nimer, M.D., director of Sylvester, the Oscar de la Renta Endowed Chair in Cancer Research,

and professor of medicine, biochemistry and molecular biology at the Miller School of

Medicine. “Every dollar raised helps Sylvester researchers discover and deliver innovative

cancer therapies to help our patients and the community.”

At the event, the team also unveiled its new tour logo, a ceremony that’s become an important

part of the Castaways tradition. This year’s logo honors the greats – Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

and their famous 1970’s song “Carry On”. Their lyrics, “a new way, a new day,” provides hope

to those fighting cancer.

The 2022 Carry On Tour will launch on June 11, where team members will paddle 160 miles

from Miami to Key West for seven days – a trip they’ve completed every year since 2000.

Joining the paddlers one week later, a team of Castaways cyclists will embark on the same

arduous journey in just one day. The team does this together, with the help of thousands of

supporters, to honor those who have fought the fight.

For more information on the Castaways Against Cancer or to make a donation, visit the

organization’s website at castawaysagainstcancer.org.

For media inquiries, please contact Jackie Suarez at jackiemonty03@gmail.com or 786-325-0568.

About the Castaways:

The Castaways Against Cancer are a 100% voluntary, non-profit organization comprised of fun-loving, mission-

driven volunteers focused on fighting cancer. What makes this team stand out is that every summer, a group of

Castaways kayak 160 miles over seven arduous days while another cycles 170 miles for one grueling day from

Miami to Key West to raise money, awareness and honor those who have battled cancer. What began as a group of

four sea-hippies on the water in 2000, has grown into a powerful movement of dozens of volunteers that have

raised more than $1.5 million in the fight against cancer. The organization continues to be fueled by the original

mission of it’s founder, Steve O’Brien, more than two decades ago when he got on his kayak after he lost his mother

to cancer. O’Brien was inspired to “light a candle instead of 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 and cycle, donations

help the world fight cancer, and we all pray for a cure.

About Sylvester Comprehensive:

Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of UHealth — University of Miami Health System and the University of

Miami Miller School of Medicine, is the only cancer center in South Florida designated by the National Cancer

Institute. NCI designation recognizes that Sylvester has met the most rigorous standards for cancer research,

beginning in our laboratories, extending to patient care, and meeting specific needs in our community. Sylvester is

known as South Florida’s leader in patient-focused cancer research and care, offering the only Phase 1 Clinical

Trials program – the first step in evaluating how patients respond to the latest investigational treatments. NCI

designation further expands Sylvester’s ability to provide access to novel therapies through more clinical trials and

collaboration with other designated centers. Equipped with a highly qualified team of more than 300 cancer-

focused physicians and researchers working together, Sylvester discovers, develops, and delivers more precision

cancer care. To serve current and future patients, Sylvester has a network of conveniently located outpatient

treatment facilities throughout South Florida.

Media Coverage & Video Recaps/Teasers

2021 Mission Kickoff & Tour Logo Unveiling

SOUTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - A group of South Florida kayakers who come together for a good cause showed off a new look months before a big fundraiser.

Every summer, members of the kayaking team Castaways Against Cancer, made mostly of teachers and alumni from Christopher Columbus High School in Southwest Miami-Dade, paddles from Miami to Key West to raise money for cancer research.

On Thursday, World Cancer Day, the team unveiled a new logo, designed by a Columbus High senior, during a ceremony on the school’s campus.

“It makes me feel good because I can see that the people in my community and in my school support the cause,” said Columbus High senior Antonio Varona III. “The Castaways Against Cancer, a lot of them have been my teachers and my counselors, so it makes me feel good to see that they support cancer research and finding and all that stuff.”

Since forming in 2000, the Castaways have raised about $1.2 million.

The team’s 22nd journey is set for June 12. All proceeds will benefit the University of Miami’s Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, which will match every dollar raised.

Link to website: https://wsvn.com/news/local/miami-dade/local-kayaking-group-unveils-new-logo-ahead-of-cancer-research-fundraiser/

2017 Launch Coverage

Castaways Against Cancer Raising Funds During Long Kayak Trip

By Mike Cugno June 12, 2017

KEY BISCAYNE (CBSMiami) – Several teachers at a local high school have found new inspiration for a journey they’ve made time and time again.

Each year, for the past 18 years, they’ve jumped in their kayaks and made for Key West to raise money for cancer research.

But this year they’re turning the loss of a student into a drive to do more.

On Saturday morning, a small group of paddlers known as the Castaways Against Cancer launched from Key Biscayne and pointed their kayaks towards Key West.

The long trip aims to raise money for cancer research.

“It’s a seven-day, 160 mile trip in support of the American Cancer Society and this is our 18th annual trip,” said Patrick Linfors. “We’ve raised about $85,000 this year for the ACS to fight cancer and to honor those who have fought the fight. Since 2000 this team has raised over 900 thousand dollars.”

Calling this trip grueling would be an understatement as the kayakers have to navigate roughly 25 miles a day through wind, rain, and sometimes large waves.

“This is not a trip where we do a lot of sightseeing,” said Linfors. “This is a trip where you have to paddle and paddle hard.”

Before they set off, a couple of hundred supporters joined them for a quick prayer, the first stroke through the water, and a final goodbye to loved ones.

“It’s the reality of our life right now,” said Castaway Against Cancer member Eric Pino. “We all know people. It’s extremely personal and important and worth any time and effort I have to give to it.”

Luckily they’re not alone.  A road crew that consists of wives and children will follow them with supplies and equipment, a support group that demands a clean bill of health before they hit the open ocean.

“I am a little nervous but I know he can do it,” said Maris De La Aguilera, whose husband Lou will be part of the trip. “Before he goes on this trip he has a stress test with a cardiologist and when he approves I say ok you can go and I trust he’ll be ok.”

Many of the kayakers are teachers at Christopher Columbus High School who paddle with a heavy heart after losing one of their students to cancer; Sebastian Ortiz.

His family was in attendance to see the sendoff and newly designed kayak in his honor.

“The boat is made by Alejandro Mijares, he’s a local artist in Miami,” said Pino. “He wrapped it up for us. My boat is the embodiment of the spirit of Sebastian. We’re using the boat as a vessel to raise money for an organization that started just five weeks ago called sebastianstrong.org and they’ve raised over seventy grand in five weeks by using the boat as literally their vessel to fund raise.”

2015 Recap: East of Midnight Tour

“There is no darker place than our thoughts… in the moonless midnight of the mind… but in that dark place… there is still hope. Go east… towards the sunrise and we shall find the light…” ~Opening line from the 2015 teaser video

For the 16th-time, a group of paddlers gathered by the water alongside friends and family. This gathering has become an annual rite of passage for those inclined to believe that a cure is possible.  For those who believe, good can come from bad.  

• Those who believe, we should take the time to honor those who have fought the fight. 

• Those who believe, it’s better to light a candle rather than curse the darkness. 

• And those who believe, kayaking from Miami to Key West is how you “row well and live.” 

Each of these gatherings now has a name. And this 16th-incarnation was dubbed “The East of Midnight Tour.” On the back of the 2015 shirt, there is a quote from Stuart Scott, the ESPN broadcaster who passed away earlier this year from cancer at the age of 49:  “You beat cancer by how you live, why you live and the manner in which you live. So live. Fight like hell, and when you get too tired to fight, lay down and rest and let someone else fight for you.” 

2014 Recap: Don’t Stop the Carnival Tour

2014 marked the Fifteenth Annual trek down Thunder Road. True to form, it was a journey like no other. We battled tides and currents, heat and exhaustion, but in the end we came out with two new Castaways and broke all fundraising records of the past.
The roster changed up a bit with two Veteran kayakers staying at home. Craig, fresh from taking part in the 2014 Hope Floats NC "Three Ring Circus" Tour, decided 200 miles and nine days of paddling against cancer was enough for one year. Eric, now a proud father, was in St. Louis baptizing Baby Pino. In their places were Chris Tart, one of the founders of Hope Floats NC, back to join us for the full seven days, and Osmel "Ozzy" Valladares, a member of Team Totalbank, roped into the fray by El Toro.
Despite the challenge, our family and friends made 2014 our biggest year ever. Dozens joined us at the launch, we were met at every destination by loved ones, and the celebration at Higgs Beach was... well, heart-stopping! The final tally for our efforts came in at over $133,000, pushing the Castaways to over $610,000 raised in the fight against cancer since 2000

2010 Recap: Ocean’s Eleven, The 10th Annual Tour

Twenty-Ten marked the official Tenth Anniversary for the team. As with many previous years, it was notable due to a very different dynamic with three Veteran Castaways unable to make the trip, a new Rookie, a former "One-and-Done"er back for a second taste of the salty fray, and a new Captain. Founding member Bob a.k.a. "Apron Strings" had to focus on the needs of the family, and "Saucemaster" Jeff missed his first trip after 7 consecutive years due to family and work priorities. In a last-minute SHD (smart-husband-decision), Greg "Rainman" left the crew after only a few days to tend to his very pregnant wife in Orlando. Assumed-Former Castaway, Anthony, decided four years of being teased for not returning was enough and threw his hat back in the ring. And last, and never least, a new rook was welcomed to the ranks: Eric Pino. Leading the band of Sea Hippies was the newly appointed Team Captain: Patrick.

The crew faced the typical challenges but took on a brutal Keys Crossing proving yet again that the trip is never mundane, nor one to take lightly. The year introduced the exciting "Twenty-Tens" fundraising campaign to have friends and family collect twenty ten-dollar bills, which ultimately the team raised over $30,000 for the ACS! Once again, the Castaways were proud to be featured on Miami and the Florida Keys radio. Also, the CAC joined the Tweeting world of Twitter with Sophomore Castaway, Heath, sending real-time updates and pictures for the world to see. Finally, taking advantage of his time onshore, Team Webmaster, Jeff, rebuilt the entire website from scratch and also gave website visitors a chance to track the hourly progress of the crew using a commercial-grade satellite tracking receiver provided by ARGOS, and carried by Veteran Castaway, Craig.

2009 Teaser: Blood, Sweat, & Ten Years Tour

2009 marked the Tenth Annual Adventure and the first odd year since 2003 that the crew launched on schedule! The 'Odd Curse' (a phenomenon where the odd-numbered trip years are plagued with problems) still proved difficult in this year of recession; most notably were the events on the Elliott Key 'Survival School' where a terrible lightning storm drummed up some of the most dangerous conditions ever experienced by the crew while camping. As stated by our former US Marine, Pete: "That was the worst night I've ever experienced."

After expressing his interest for many years, Heath Harwood, a friend and former co-worker of Jeff's in Mississippi, finally came on board. Heath proved himself as a true Castaway by surviving seven days of paddling solo and by leaving Key West with the first-ever Castaways tatoo... and a prowess for eating 50 eggs.

Staying true to their word, the Castaways returned to Toilet Seat Pass with a new and improved high-performance Toilet Seat donated by a Mississippi friend of Jeff's who specializes in professional auto detailing. Hopefully, no Keys locals will develop seat envy and our contribution will stand longer than its predecessor. Despite a difficult fundraising year, the crew was able to raise over $27,000 pushing the overall support for the ACS to more than a quarter of a million dollars since 2000.

2008 Recap: The Whole Nine Yards Tour

The Ninth Annual Castaways adventure proved to be an amazing year of exposure for the team. As fundraising began for the 2008 season, Veteran Jeff Croucher released the first 'Tripumentary' video documenting the 2007 trip. Outsiders were given a first-hand look of the team battling their way through the Florida Keys. Along with the video, various members were interviewed on TV and radio from Miami to Mississippi, and the team made the Miami Herald AND the front page of the Key West Citizen!

Monica Woll of our esteemed sponsor Florida Bay Outfitters joined the crew for all seven days of the trip. Monica, co-owner of FBO, is no slouch when it comes to paddling. She is a Trail Specialist for the Office of Greenways and Trails on the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail. Say that ten times fast!

Sadly, that summer the crew learned that their beloved Toilet Seat was the victim of some offshore vandalism and was gone forever. The team vowed: The Seat Would Return!! After an arduous trip, the crew proudly arrived in Key West with over $45,000. Later that summer, the Castaways were invited as guests to share our team story at the ACS Florida Division's Annual Team Development Summit in Orlando, FL where the 2007 Tripumentary was shown to over 700 people and we received a standing ovation.

2007 Teaser: Die Another Day Tour

Bad weather.. the '007 ballad for Year Eight. No changes to the course, but Mother Nature ruled the seas. Thanks to TS Barry, the loss of day one took the crew to their secondary launch point of Black Point Marina (used in '00 & '05). Another shock was the near loss of Veteran Castaway, Patrick, who valiantly stayed home to care for his possibly ill, and expecting wife, Patty.

New challenges and New Castaways... a South Florida Firefighter, Pedro "Pete" Almedia (left), decided to put his mettle to the test and contacted OB with his interest. And after many years of support, Adam Scholer (right), a teacher at Columbus finally committed to pulling a paddle for the cause. 

Despite the adversities before them, Patrick returned on Day Two to complete the trip after hearing good news back home. The same day Nick Woll, Frank & Monica's son, joined us for a community service project for his graduation. But most notably, the crew broke all previous records bringing in over $40,000 for the ACS (over $160,000 total since 2000, if you're keeping track).

Written Media: