Paddle for Life: Honoring Our Top Teams and Fundraisers
In just a little over two weeks, our canoes will launch from Maui to Lāna‘i for the 16th Annual Paddle for Life. Together, we’ve already raised over $224,000 toward our $300,000 goal — an incredible show of generosity and aloha for our cancer community.
Today, we’re excited to celebrate our top fundraising teams and individuals. Their stories reflect the true heart of Paddle for Life, and in the days ahead we’ll be sharing more voices from the canoe with you.
Our Top 3 Fundraising Teams
For our 16th Annual Paddle for Life, we asked each team to set their sights on raising $16,000. It was a big challenge, and these three teams have already surpassed it with heart and determination. Their stories remind us that when we come together, we can do incredible things.
#1 Mana‘olana Pink Paddlers — $23,209.00
Mana‘olana Pink Paddlers are more than a canoe club. They are an ‘ohana shaped by hope, courage, and love. For many survivors, stepping into the canoe brings strength, laughter, and healing. Every stroke is a reminder that no one faces cancer alone, and that community and aloha can carry us through even the hardest times.
#2 Team Jayden / Team Ayanakai / Team Zeni — $19,344.00
This team paddles with deep love for Jayden, who was diagnosed with cancer at the age of three and is now in remission, and for Ayanakai and Zeni, who are bravely facing their own cancer journeys. Their families know firsthand how much PCF’s support can mean, especially during years of travel for treatment. With gratitude and hope, they paddle so that other families will also know they are cared for and never alone.
#3 Lanikai Sunrise Canoe Club… Ke Aloha Nui o Gay — $17,701.00
Lanikai Sunrise paddles this year in honor of their beloved teammate, Gay McPhail. Gay was a true water woman, strong and joyful, who brought light to every morning paddle. Her smile and her words, “a great day to be paddling,” continue to inspire her crew. They carry her spirit with them across the channel, grateful for the chance to honor her life and the love she shared so generously.
Our Top 3 Fundraising Individuals
Every paddler is asked to raise a minimum of $300 to take part in Paddle for Life. These incredible fundraisers have gone far beyond that goal, showing just how much love and dedication they bring to our cancer ‘ohana.
#1 Alysha Nichols-Sparkman — $7,590.00
Alysha has been part of the Paddle for Life ‘ohana for many years, bringing heart, energy, and generosity to every crossing. She paddles for her family and friends touched by cancer, and for the wider community she loves so deeply. Whether on the water, in her work, or through her fundraising, Alysha shows what it means to give back with gratitude and aloha.
This year, Jenny is showing up for Paddle for Life not only as PCF’s Executive Director, but also as someone personally walking the cancer journey. While she won’t be in the canoe, she is giving everything she can to support our paddlers and to raise funds for cancer patients and families across Maui County. Her strength and openness remind us that Paddle for Life is about standing together, no matter where we are on the path.
#3 Jon Wallenstrom — $5,009.75
Jon paddles with Lanikai Sunrise Canoe Club, where every early morning on the water is filled with laughter, friendship, and aloha. This year, he is paddling in memory of Gay McPhail, a dear friend who brought so much joy to their crew. Jon’s story reminds us that Paddle for Life is about more than the miles across the channel. It is about being in the boat together, honoring loved ones, and carrying their spirit forward.
These are just a few of the many inspiring stories that make Paddle for Life so meaningful. In the coming days, we’ll share more voices from the canoe, each one a reminder of the strength and aloha that guide this voyage.
Mahalo for being part of this journey with us. Together, we are making waves of hope for Maui’s cancer community.
For more information on Paddle for Life, visit www.paddleforlifemaui.org and follow us on Instagram @paddleforlifemaui