All the news that’s fit to Paddle!
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June 19th, 2008 at 7:17 am
Paddling for Prostate is a really great way to raise awareness. Awareness is really what men like us need. I am 33, just recently going through a kidney stone passing, I realize just how little I really know about myself. Thanks for doing this.
June 19th, 2008 at 11:14 am
I admire Skip’s conviction to raise awareness in this way. For him to take his entire summer vacation when he could go the “easy” route and do something else shows his comitment to this worthy cause. The support of family and friends is unbelieveable. Having lost a brother to prostate cancer two years ago, I only wish I could gather the courage to do something on this scale. Skip, I wish you only good weather and calm water.
June 26th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
As many of you probably know, Skip has taken some time to be with his students while they are in the SkillsUSA national Teambuild competition.
I would like to wish Skip and the Shawsheen team good luck. You did a great job at the state competition and now I am sure you will do well in the big league!
June 27th, 2008 at 8:35 pm
Just heard from a very excited Skip. The Shawsheen Teamworks students have just been awarded the silver medal at the SkillsUSA National Championships in Kansas City. Congratulations to the students and their teachers. Skip, you must be very proud of them!
Great job!
June 29th, 2008 at 6:28 am
I was with the SkillsUSA kids and Shawsheen teachers in K.C.
What a great story and what a great role model - for all of us, not just our students!
Paddle on, friend. There are a lot of us out here thinking about you. And, by the way, we all want you to add a hat and a good pair of sunglasses to the sunscreen!
July 8th, 2008 at 3:06 am
Go dad! you’re doing great, we are all proud of you!
July 13th, 2008 at 11:57 am
I HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO MEET SKIP ON JULY 11 WHILE WORKING AT THE BLUE WATER BRIDGE IN PORT HURON MICHIGAN,I WAS AMAZED AT HIS MISSION AND THE WATERS HE WAS TO TRAVEL IN A KAYAK.GOOD LUCK SKIP AND IT WAS NICE TO MEET YOU.
July 15th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
Hey Uncle! It was great to get your message and update of your ride. Looking forward to greeting you here in NYC when you arrive. XOXO
July 15th, 2008 at 9:37 pm
Skip has undertaken a journey larger than one I could even begin to consider, and he handles it in a very direct manner. He understands that every day he needs get in his boat and paddle his typical 40 miles, then in the evening plot the next leg of his journey. For those of us who have paddled any distance, the route is not always direct and obvious; there are many obstacles and hinderances to be navigated through and around, and some routes are better than others. Anyone who has paddled sections along Skip’s route should make an effort to contact Skip or his wife Shafia to let them know of anything that might be useful when paddling a certain section of his travel area.
I had the privilege of paddling with Skip for a short while on the Detroit River south of Detroit, MI. My paddle with Skip was just over eight miles since there was not a good take out until much later in the route, and my endurance does not come close to matching Skip’s level of endurance, even for one day. The time on the water with Skip was very enjoyable, and he enjoyed having some company. Anyone considering paddling with Skip should find a way to make it happen. The paddle does not need to be long, but Skip is spending many hours every day on the water and I’m sure that he would enjoy company wherever someone would be able to join him.
Skip and his current ground support person Evan stayed at my home for one night along Skip’s route. Both Skip and Evan were a pleasure to be with. Skip has been out for a month traveling through all manner of weather, wind and waves, not to mention some very large boat traffic, yet his disposition is very pleasant, upbeat and cheerful. Evan was just as much a pleasure to be with. I enjoyed my brief time with both of them a great deal.
The reason for this journey is to raise awareness of Prostate Cancer. Skip would love to be able to get the word out along his travel route, not just paddle. Please help him out and spread the word of his travels. Give him some time to speak to a group in the evening or do an interview at a local radio station or for a newspaper or magazine. Television would be great if that could be arranged. Skip is making a huge effort to bring awareness to prostate cancer through this journey and hopefully some of us will be able to join his effort and help get the word out as well.
With great hopes for a safe and successful (in paddling and publicity) journey,
Tom Brandau
http://www.greatlakespaddlers.org
July 19th, 2008 at 9:27 pm
Hi Skip!
I was out for just a few miles today on the Ipswich River and was thinking of you. I just wanted to send my support and wishes for fair weather and wide water.
We will see you soon - there’s a great bottle of red waiting.
Kristin Sciacca
July 20th, 2008 at 11:29 pm
Great to meet you today 7/20/08 and proud of the efforts you are making for your cause.
It was very interesting learning about your equipment, progress and history.
Glad we could give you a few moments of respite from the windstorm and waves.
If you give us an email address, we will send copies of the pictures.
Bill
July 20th, 2008 at 11:30 pm
AhHa, I now see that our email address is not posted, here it is.
wploetz@netsync.net
Phone 800-666-9198.
July 25th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
Skip I think about your trip every day. Your website is my home page for the summer. I got through the hernia operation but don’t feel much like paddling. Be safe the rest of your trip. See you when you return.
Mike
July 25th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
Hey Skip:
I am putting something in the mail for you today. The guys at the Sheboygan UsToo group took up a collection to help your mission. Hope all continues to go well. Best wishes to you and Shafiya. Have a good rest of the summer and happy anniversary of your Post-cancer day!
Jeff Shea
July 27th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Hey Skippa,
A short note to let you know that I think about you every day, paddling on this incredible journey. You are an inspiration to me and I wish you calm waters and fair weather for the rest of your trip. I look forward to hearing the many stories upon your safe return. You are a champion in every sense of the word. Paddle on my brother.
Todd
July 27th, 2008 at 9:13 pm
Hi Everyone, I got to paddle with Skip today, Sunday the 27th. Only about 5 miles , from Weedsport, New York to Cross Lake , on the Seneca river. Skip continued on, I heard later he made it to Baldwinsville, NY. Very Cool.
He was passing the message to EVERYONE we met along the way.
This is such a cool thing that he has chosen to. I think we all dream of being able to make a difference in the world,
but I for one never dreamed this big.
It is an honor and pleasure to be able to be a part, even a small one of such an undertaking.
Thanks Skip
July 28th, 2008 at 11:56 am
Hi Skip,I was so impressed to read about your journey. What a wonderful way to draw more attention to this particular health issue for men.
I live in Baldwinsville, NY where you recently stopped on your route, and wish I could have been there to encourage you.
I lost my husband to brain cancer 8 yrs. ago at the age of 36, and stories of survivors doing amazing things to raise awareness such as yourself warm my heart. Best of luck and safe travel to you.
Sincerely,
Gina Miller
July 30th, 2008 at 10:04 am
Hi Skip,
Just wanted to say it was a great inspiration to meet you while we were camping near Nawbinway, MI earlier this month. My Father-in-law passed away from prostate cancer in August of ‘06 after a courageous 9 month battle. You asked me (I’m 47) what my PSA count was and even after this family “close encounter” I had to admit I had no idea since my doctor had recently told me not to worry about it. Your advice to disregard his advice has motivated me to find out- I made an appointment today and can’t thank you enough.
You’re helping people Skip! Happy paddling!!
God Bless you,
Craig Engwall
July 31st, 2008 at 4:51 pm
Hi Uncle, it’s so inspiring to read everyone’s messages and to know that you have inspired them! I am constantly checking your progress and so excited to see you next weekend! xoxo
August 2nd, 2008 at 5:27 pm
Skip,
Jean and are following your progress. It looks like you are about to head down the Hudson which means you’ll have a good current with you and should be nearing your destination. We were both very pleased to meet you along the way and appreciate your efforts in drawing attention to prostate cancer. Had I not had regular check-ups, I might have been one of the unlucky ones. Your press coverage was good by channels 5 and 10 in he Syracuse area. We have the newspaper articles to send you when you let me know an address. Is the P4P addrress - POBox 63, Athol, MA 01331 the one to use? Enjoy what’s left of summer, and have a great school year. Go Yankees and Giants, too!!!!
Jim & Jean Goulet
August 3rd, 2008 at 10:59 pm
i met skip when i was with friends on a trip on the hudson he is the most nicest guy i have met in a very long time we were on the boat safari and we talked to him about his trip and how he takes care of himself i wish the best of luck to him i also forgot to say we live in new york and my family and friends rode up the hudson from long islnad to “Troy” (what the town was called)i was on a boatride for almost 10 hours i think it was and look at this guy , anyways and we were all amazed by skip
August 5th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
my husband and i had the pleasure of meeting skip on the 4th of july in st. ignace, michigan. he was paddling under the mackinac bridge the next day and we were amazed by his dedication to this project, not to mention the physical demands of completing it. ironically, just a few weeks ago, we found out that one of our friends was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer and had to have surgery.
kudos to skip for raising awareness with such charm and grace and enthusiasm! good luck on completing your journey!
randi rae arnold and james schelb
August 6th, 2008 at 8:42 pm
Skip:
Great job on your paddle!
I knew you could pull it off as soon as I met you. It is quite a feat that you have accomplished and something that you can be very proud of. You will soon get the well deserved rest, recuperation and a warm soft bed as well as the closeness of your loved ones.
Hopefully your feat has and will continue to bring awareness to prostate cancer as you have hoped it would.
August 7th, 2008 at 7:03 am
I had the good fortune to meet you in Beacon, NY, as I was taking my kayak out just after sunset. You couldn’t chat long (a ride to a meal and a shower awaited!) but I appreciated the time you took to tell me about your cause. I promised you I’d check out your site, and here I am. I’d like to commend you on your efforts, and thank you for raising that awareness. I wont forget it. Safe journeys…
August 7th, 2008 at 9:51 pm
Hey Skip!! It was so nice to meet you in Catskill Last weekend! We will all be there Saturday to see you accomplish such an amazing Journey! YOU ROCK!!!
August 8th, 2008 at 8:44 pm
Hi Skip,
Your trip was an adventure for all of us, not a day has gone by without thinking about how you were doing and checking the tracking to see where you were. Glad your home safe. Look forward to hearing all about your exciting adventure for such a good cause.
August 9th, 2008 at 5:18 am
Way to go dad! What an amazing accomplishment, you are an inspiration!
August 9th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
Great job dad, I knew you could do it. Wat to go!
August 10th, 2008 at 12:28 am
Congrats! Your trip made it on the Wii news!
August 13th, 2008 at 11:09 am
Yes and it also made it in the Daily News here in NY on 8/10! My co-worker read about it and I mentioned it to her yesterday as she didn’t know the connection! Anyways, I have the copy for you and will send it in the mail.
It was so good to see you - you look SO healthy and happy!
CONGRATS again on finishing this amazing adventure!