suftc ambassador: Stacy Savage

My first time participating in SUFTC was in 2016. I had started standup paddling a couple of years before and had friends who participated the previous year so I decided to join the event. I have a family history with breast cancer. My grandmother, mom & aunt have all battled. My grandmother passed due to other causes but my mom succumbed after an almost 25-year battle. My aunt is surviving & thriving.

I participated again in 2018 with my SUP pals one of whom has battled and is still battling stage 4 breast cancer, She’s doing great! 2019 was rough. One of my closest friends was diagnosed with breast cancer that had metastasized into her bones, she was very ill. We rallied around her, provided support, encouragement, meals and hope - cancer didn’t know this chick, she wasn’t going to throw in the towel - she’s doing awesome!. Another close SUP friend was also diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer. She underwent treatment & is doing great. That year I also had a health scare. I had my first diagnosis with stage 0 melanoma had a successful excision. I have since had one more so my dermatologist and I meet often.

So at the 2019 SUFTC event, I participated but alone with one friend sidelined by her treatment on the sand to support me. We surely thought 2020 would be better.

Well then it happened, COVID. We learned SUFTC was hoping to continue their work and encouraging people to form teams and fundraise. I decided to ask my paddle crew of 5-6 ladies if they wanted to make a team. It was a unanimous YES. We paddle together & I also guide SUP yoga for them. When we conclude class I close with Namaste Bitches, thus our team name.

In 2020 we raised over $7,000 and had over 30 team members. Sadly we had to go back to the micro & virtual events in 2021. Of course we hopped on board. Our team has raised over $21,000 and we have 60 members.

I’m excited to continue you my relationship with SUFTC into the future & excited to get back to live events.