In a year where large gatherings were impossible, the supporters of Standup for the Cure created a virtual, international event to fight breast cancer, each in their own way. 

ENCINITAS, CA, December 01, 2020 – Standup for the Cure, the nationwide stand up paddling event that has raised over 1.3 million dollars to support breast cancer detection, treatment and education, succeeded in raising funds to continue to support its beneficiaries in 2020 despite the unique challenges of the year.   

Instead of hosting their three nationwide, annual in-person Standup for the Cure (SUFTC) community breast cancer awareness and fundraising events this year, SUFTC was forced to face the reality that so many non-profits face today: finding a new way to fundraise. 

In efforts to “keep Standup afloat” this year, SUFTC offered a new virtual event where there were no rules, no boundaries – Just fun, camaraderie, connection, and a desire to put an end to breast cancer. This year’s event encouraged participants to “stand up their way” by practicing yoga, paddling (canoe, kayak, SUP, paddleboard), dancing, hiking, running, or other wellness activities to raise money in order to help promote a healthy lifestyle, save lives through early breast cancer detection, and provide treatment and education through local non-profits, health clinics, and research institutions. 

The support from the event was overwhelming. 

Despite the challenges that COVID-19 brought, Standup for the Cure successfully launched its first-ever virtual event. With the participation of business partners, sponsors, and thousands of community members across 38 states and 8 countries, participants came together and raised over $68,000. 

“Not even a global pandemic could stop our Ohana from fighting and standing up for those who have breast cancer,” stated Dan Van Dyck, Executive Director of Standup for the Cure. “Watching businesses, sponsors, and participants from around the world support finding a cure to breast cancer in a time of uncertainty was amazing.”

Now, these funds are being distributed to 4 local breast cancer clinics and national research program beneficiaries including: 

• Hackley Community Care – A prominent healthcare leader in Muskegon County (Michigan) with a mission to support and promote patients' total health with quality, integrity, respect, and compassion, while working to bring comprehensive services together for the good of the individual and for the good of the community.

• Susan G. Komen: Orange County and Puget Sound – An organization with a mission to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease by advancing research, education, screening, and treatment. Funds are returned to the local community in the form of breast health program grants to clinics and other local effective organizations for screening, education, treatment and psychosocial support programs for uninsured, and under-insured women.

• Van Andel Institute (VAI) – An independent biomedical research and K-12 and graduate education organization committed to improving the health and enhancing the lives of current and future generations. Established by Jay and Betty Van Andel in 1996 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, VAI has grown into a premier research and educational institution that supports the work of more than 400 scientists, educators, and staff.

“I am incredibly grateful for, and inspired by, what donors like Standup for the Cure bring to our research and mission at Van Andel Institute,” said Carrie Graveel, Ph.D., a senior research scientist at VAI. “The funds raised through Standup for the Cure help VAI scientists continue our work to uncover the causes of cancer — an important step toward new, more effective diagnostic and treatment strategies. Thank you for using your creativity and enthusiasm to support the Institute.”

Megan Klink, CEO of Susan G. Komen Orange County also expressed her gratitude and the importance of this event. “We’re so proud to continue our partnership with Standup for the Cure, which is a tremendous movement that encourages our community to get up and outdoors in honor of the fight against breast cancer,” she commented. “While this year may have looked a little different, we were so moved by all the pictures of everyone in their jerseys, participating in their favorite activities at home while raising awareness and funds for such an important cause. Because of SUFTC’s support, we will be able to bring more breast health programs and cancer support services to those who need them most in SoCal.” 

“As a recipient of Standup for the Cure’s generous donation, Hackley Community Care (HCC) will be able to provide additional breast cancer screening and support services to uninsured men and women, which greatly aids in the early detection and treatment of breast cancer, which we know saves lives,” added Linda Juarez, CEO of Hackley Community Care. “HCC is humbled to be a recipient of part of the funds raised this year and remain committed to our partnership with Standup for the Cure to save as many lives as possible.”

Not only has SUFTC been able to display a story of survival in a year of not being able to hold physical events, but they were able to go beyond what they thought would be possible. With the help of a global community and national sponsors, Standup for the Cure continues to give back and support finding a cure to breast cancer through their beneficiaries. 

About Standup for the Cure

Standup for the Cure is a nonprofit, 501c3 formed for the express purpose of raising funds and awareness for early breast cancer detection while building a compassionate, supportive community  Founded in 2011, Standup for the Cure is fully supported by generous donations from their presenting and title partners and a host of vendors and volunteers who take part each year. Standup for the Cure has now raised over $1,350,000. Learn more at suftc.org.

About Hackley Community Care 

Hackley Community Care (HCC) is a Federally Qualified Health Center that has been providing quality health care services since 1992. Our services initiated from humble beginnings to address the issue of pre-term, low birthweight babies. Hackley Community Care has continuously expanded to provide an array of services that include full primary care, dental, behavioral health,  pharmacy (Community Care Pharmacy), home based and school based services, and other supporting programs such as Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, Komen Breast Health, and BCCCNP services, to name a few. All of our services are designed to meet the needs of the underserved in our community. Learn more about HCC at hackleycommunitycare.org.

About Susan G. Komen® 

Susan G. Komen is the world’s largest breast cancer organization, funding more breast cancer research than any other nonprofit while providing real-time help to those facing the disease. Komen has set a Bold Goal to reduce the current number of breast cancer deaths by 50 percent in the U.S. by 2026.  Komen was founded in 1982 by Nancy G. Brinker, who promised her sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would end the disease that claimed Suzy’s life. Learn more at komenoc.org and komenpugetsound.org.

About Van Andel Institute

Van Andel Institute (VAI) is committed to improving the health and enhancing the lives of current and future generations through cutting edge biomedical research and innovative educational offerings. Established in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1996 by the Van Andel family, VAI is now home to more than 400 scientists, educators and support staff, who work with a growing number of national and international collaborators to foster discovery. The Institute’s scientists study the origins of cancer, Parkinson’s and other diseases and translate their findings into breakthrough prevention and treatment strategies. Our educators develop inquiry-based approaches for K–12 education to help students and teachers prepare the next generation of problem-solvers, while our Graduate School offers a rigorous, research-intensive Ph.D. program in molecular and cellular biology. Learn more at vai.org.

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