Mystic Gets Ready To Sail For Cancer

Bob Davis just looks like he belongs on the water and at first appearance the weathered, gregarious Davis doesn’t seem any different then the many sailors who call this area home.

“I can’t think of anything better than being on the water especially in the area we live,” Davis said.

But Davis, 62, is no typical water-lover. He’s a two-time cancer survivor and when he sails Sunday June 26 it won’t just be just to sail but for cancer.

Davis is the CEO and Founder of the recently formed charity, Sails Up 4 Cancer. Established in December the organization hopes to use sailing to fund research for the education and prevention of all types of cancer.

On Sunday they will hold their at the featuring a traditional race regatta, a picnic fleet for cancer patients, survivors and family members, a complimentary alternative medicine exposition and finally a post regatta shore party with food, drinks, awards, raffles, auctions and live entertainment by Zach Lockwood.

“I have people to help and I plan on being around for a long time,” Davis said. “This is a start.”

A start that after meeting the requirements to be a Dream Team of the national charity Stand Up To Cancer and holding this first event Sails Up 4 Cancer hopes to take the charity around the country.

Big goals for an organization barely six months old but Davis said: “It’s a success already. There’s been tremendous positive feedback from the community. If we helped one person a year that would be a success.”

About 100 people have already signed up to participate in either the regatta or picnic fleet Davis and Executive Vice President Jessica Morrissey said.

“I have a lot of faith [in Sails Up 4 Cancer],” Morrissey said.

By being a Dream Team of Stand Up To Cancer, Sails Up 4 Cancer is featured on their website where donations can be made but more importantly Davis and Morrissey picked Stand Up To Cancer because of it’s ability to connect researchers and doctors around the country to work together on one specific type of cancer instead of in a piecemeal process. Davis and Morrissey estimated about 20 percent of the proceeds from Sunday’s event will go towards administrative costs while 80 percent will go directly towards research, education, prevention and creating a forum for people to meet and share their experiences.

By sharing those experiences they hope others will realize they are not alone.

“My whole vision perspective on life has taken a dramatic turn as a result of my cancer,” Davis said. “I was extremely extremely fortunate and I want to share experiences with other people combined with my passion for sailing.”

Sailors who want to race or participate in the Picnic Feet should contact Bob Davis at Rdavis@su4c.org. The cost for anyone interested in attending the exposition or post regatta shore party is $10 in advance or $20 at the door. Visit Sails Up 4 Cancer at www.suc4c.org for more information or to sign up to volunteer with the charity.