Our Inspiration

The story that inspired us to start this project is something we read on Yahoo in March! It was such a beautiful story we told everyone we know about it. We were so excited that such a wonderful thing happened to such fabulous people that were just trying to do something to help people. What was even more fun is that when people found out about it. People like you, you stepped up to the plate and did something. In the end this wonderful lady was able to raise over $100,000 for two sadly necessary foundations : Keep a Breast Foundation and Boarding for Breast Cancer.
The story is about Jodie Nelson a 34 year old professional surfer who stand up paddle boarded from Santa Catalina Island to Dana Point. Jodie Nelson did this 39.8 mile paddle in 9 hours to raise money and awareness for breast cancer. The inspiration for her trek was her best friend Angela Robinson who is battling breast cancer presently. Jodie said that what she did could not be compared to the difficult fight of cancer patients, but she wanted to do something to inspire her to keep fighting.
What happened during Jodie's trek was a miracle. A 30 foot Menke whale, Jodie fondly named "Larry" joined her for two hours of her trip. He not only swam beside her, but played with her, blew bubbles at her and swam under her paddle board. These kind of encounters with the shy Menke whale are practically unheard of.
Larry took her mind off the task for two magical hours, but her mind never strayed from the cause. "I can't even begin to compare what I did to what cancer patients are going through," she said. "But I wanted to put myself out there in a dangerous and scary, overwhelming situation; something that was big and just to show people that you can win that battle with that big, scary thing called cancer.
Before Jodie started her trek she had raised $9000 for her foundations, already a great contribution. However, because of "Larry" and the extra exposure she was able to get because of his participation she has raised over $100,000!!!
You can find the fantastic story on www.paddlewithpurpose.com as well as make a donation and follow Jodie into her next adventure.
Thank you for tuning in!

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