Paddle with Purpose

By: Chelsea Midgette | July 06, 2010 |

On Sunday, March 28, 2010, surfer Jodie Nelson became the first woman to trek the 39.8 miles from Avalon on Catalina Island to Dana Point, California on a stand-up paddleboard as part of Ocean Ohana’s annual Catalina Challenge, an adventure usually tackled only by relay teams of two to four people.  Nelson, however, took on the challenge solo for her organization Paddle with Purpose, which raises money for research and awareness of breast cancer. 

No stranger to the horrors of cancer, Nelson has seen her mother and aunt survive the disease, while one of her close friends is currently battling breast cancer.  Nelson wanted to paddle the Catalina Challenge on her own to not only raise funds and awareness for The Keep a Breast Foundation and Boarding for Breast Cancer, but also to take a stand against cancer and make a statement as a strong, powerful woman who can accomplish the seemingly impossible.

However, what started as a single-minded purpose gained new meaning about three hours into Nelson’s journey across the sea.  A Minke whale, later dubbed Larry, joined Nelson in the water for almost two hours.  The whale swam alongside, under, and around Nelson as she paddled, blowing bubbles and seemingly playing with her.  While Larry the whale inspired Nelson to stay strong throughout her paddle, he also gained the attention needed for Paddle with Purpose, causing a major spike in donations.

In addition to generating awareness for Nelson and her goals, Larry’s presence sparked another, unforeseen goal: to help whales and put an end to whaling.  Minke whales are a common target for whalers, especially those from countries such as Norway and Japan.  Nelson and her team have dedicated themselves to raising awareness about the issue, championing the causes of both breast cancer and whaling.

Thanks to Larry the whale, breast cancer research and whaling awareness have gained media attention that will hopefully improve both causes.  To help, go to http://paddlewithpurpose.wordpress.com/ and http://larrythewhale.wordpress.com/.

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