Event Raises Over $30,000 to Benefit Moffitt Cancer Center

“Paddle Against Cancer” brings out approximately 200 paddleboarders

 In its third year, “Paddle Against Cancer” brought out approximately 200 local stand-up paddleboarders and raised $30,300 in support of Moffitt Cancer Center on Saturday, May 25.

Gene Evans, a Stage 4 kidney cancer survivor and senior vice president at Clearwater-based USAmeriBank, created the paddleboarding event to give back to Moffitt and offer support for other cancer survivors.

The event, which featured 3-mile and 7-mile paddles along with a poolside celebration, attracted $8,300 more in donations this year than in 2012. And since its first year in 2011, the event has raised a total of $69,300.

Evans was diagnosed with Stage 4 kidney cancer in May 2009, and since then has recovered from four surgeries – including one to remove a tumor on his spine and another to remove one of his kidneys.

In Stage 4 kidney cancer, the cancer spreads outside the kidneys to multiple lymph nodes or distant parts of the body, such as the bones, brain, or lungs. Statistical figures show that the five-year survival rate for Stage 4 kidney cancer is only 8 percent. Evans, however, is a four-year survivor and attributes his successful fight against cancer to his positive attitude and active lifestyle.  

“Gene is an amazing role model, not only for those battling cancer but for each and every person who knows him,” said Frank Vrionis, M.D., M.P.H., Ph.D., and Chief of Neurosurgery at Moffitt, who removed the tumor from Evans’ spine. “We greatly appreciate all of the support and contributions his event has provided to Moffitt over the years.”