Paddling for Hope: Derek Park Fundraises for Breast Cancer Education and Early Detection By Karen Rose
T
he “Prince of Preachers,” Charles Haddon Surgeon said that hope itself is like a star—not to be seen in the sunshine of prosperity, but to be discovered in the night of adversity. Nine years ago, paddler Derek Park made it his goal to share hope and optimism with cancer survivors, all while raising money for Hawai‘i Island patients battling this disease. Today, his organization, Paddling for Hope Foundation, offers breast cancer education and early detection to benefit the residents of Hawai‘i Island. “Nearly 10 years ago, I did a paddling race, and my team and I wanted to donate some money to the American Cancer Society,” said Derek. “It became evident that the money raised here all went to O‘ahu, then they would distribute it out per the population and the needs. We had to get special permission from American Cancer Society to keep the money
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Paddling for Hope wellness ride with Hui Mälama at Reed’s Bay. photo courtesy of Derek Park
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here. At that time, I felt that if we raised all the money here, the money should stay here as well. So, six years ago, I founded Paddling for Hope.” Raising Money, Cancer Education, and Early Detection An avid paddler, Derek races every year in the M2M (Maui to Moloka‘i) channel race, as well as the Pa‘a Kaiwi Solo race from Moloka‘i to O‘ahu. During these races, he raises money by racing with “honor name” stickers on his canoe, in memory of cancer survivors. Because his mother is a 35-plus year survivor of breast cancer, Derek chose to raise money specifically for that purpose. “After watching my mom go through all she did, it was important to me that the money raised go to breast cancer [education],” he said. “It’s something that is close to my heart.”