Picture perfect weather greeted the 21st annual 2015 Seattle Leukemia cup. Over 100 boats raised nearly a quarter million dollars to support the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). The Seattle race was one of nearly 40 races across the US with the mission to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. This mission is carried out through funding extensive research for treatments, cures, government advocacy, patient assistance programs, community outreach and education programs.
The race started at 2pm with the city skyline and Mount Rainier as backdrop for Spinnakers blossoming on Elliott Bay. The racing was pirate themed, casual, and traversed the Seattle waterfront. One boat suffered an ‘emergency’ when a stuffed parrot fell overboard, prompting a man, er, parrot overboard drill. The drill reportedly required several passes to successfully bring aboard the errant bird.
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| Does it get any better? |
The time limit for the race ensured that participants could join the after party. Pirates ruled and both the band and the food added to the festivities. Mary Lee from King 5 played the role of emcee while the top fund raising team was awarded.
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| Cascadia taking line honors at the finish |
Over 100 boats and 225 participants including skippers and crew supported this effort along with scores of volunteers.
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| Team 'Moonlight4Nate' won the top fundraising award |
The Washington/Alaska Chapter has invested more than $3.2 million in 10 local research projects at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and the University of Washington this year alone (bringing LLS’ total investment in our state since the early 1990’s to more than $30 million). LLS is the voice for all blood cancer patients, and is working to ensure access to treatments for all blood cancer patients.
The local chapter was thrilled with this year’s Leukemia Cup Regatta success. Executive Director, Anne Gillingham, credits that success to an infusion of our mission in to the event as well as the staff assembling a stellar committee that focused on raising funds for the mission while also making sure everyone had a lot of fun.
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| Lucy (second from right) a blood cancer survivor herself, was crowd favorite for best pirate |
And after watching the race and participating in the party, this author can attest that we all had fun. Next year’s date hasn’t been selected yet, but it will be in June of 2016. I don’t know how they’ll top this year’s race, but with enough help, perhaps next year’s race will be even more successful. This is truly a worthy and entirely fun event to be a part of and participate in.
More pictures from the day:
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| Team 'Challenger' suffered the Parrot malfunction |
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| Emcee Mary Lee |
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| Would not have happened without the volunteers!! |
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