Leukemia Cup Regatta Sails into Westbrook/Old Saybrook

The Connecticut Westchester Hudson Valley chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is proud to announce its 2014 Leukemia Cup Regatta, setting sail to raise funds to support blood cancer research and patient services. This year’s race takes place on Saturday, August 23rd in Old Saybrook, followed by a post-race party at Brewer Pilots Point Marina in Westbrook. The regatta is hosted by Duck Island Yacht Club, North Cove Yacht Club and Brewer Pilots Point Marina.

The Leukemia Cup Regatta is a thrilling event that combines the joy of sailing with the important goal of raising money to fight leukemia, lymphoma and other blood cancers. Each sailor in the Regatta series is eligible to win fantastic prizes, including the opportunity to race at the Fantasy Sail in Savannah, Ga., from November 21-23, 2014, with world-renowned sailor and ESPN commentator Gary Jobson.

Jobson has been the national chairman of the Leukemia Cup Regatta since 1993. In 2003, after years of committed service on behalf of LLS, Jobson was diagnosed with lymphoma, and, in his words, “became a beneficiary of the research advances I had helped support.” Today, he is cancer-free and continues to support LLS through participation in Leukemia Cup Regatta events across the country.

With more than 1 million people in North America diagnosed with a blood cancer, and someone new diagnosed every 3 minutes, The Leukemia Cup Regatta is an important fundraising event that gives participants an opportunity to do something enjoyable while making a critical difference in the lives of patients and their families.

Local resident Stephanie Weirsman, of Orange, Conn., is an Honored Patient for this year’s Leukemia Cup Regatta. After overcoming her battle with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Weirsman became inspired to speak out about the importance of funding research and providing support for individuals and families impacted by blood cancer. Her story of survivorship and strength inspires everyone involved with the Leukemia Cup Regatta to do their part to find a cure for blood cancer, not someday, but today.

The Leukemia Cup Regatta is an ECSA race. First warning is 1100; the start location is approximately 3nm west of the Saybrook Breakwater Lighthouse. Following the race, sailors, crew members, family and friends are invited to attend the post-race party, featuring food, drinks, live music, awards and prizes. Party tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for children ages 6-12. Children under 6 may attend free of charge.

For more information, to register for the race or to purchase party tickets, please visit www.leukemiacup.org/ct or contact Christine Schuff at Christine.Schuff@lls.org or (914) 821-8969.

About the Leukemia Cup Regatta

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Leukemia Cup Regatta is a thrilling series of sailing events that combines the joy of boating with the important task of raising money to cure cancer. Since its inception, the Leukemia Cup Regatta has raised millions of dollars for lifesaving research and patient services, bringing help and hope to patients and their families. LLS thanks its national Leukemia Cup Regatta sponsors: Gosling’s Rum, Jobson Sailing, Inc., North Sails, Offshore Sailing School, Sailing World, Phil Steel and West Marine. The Leukemia Cup Regatta is endorsed by Sail America, NMMA and US Sailing.

About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is the world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services. To learn more, visit www.LLS.org or contact the Information Resource Center at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9am to 6pm ET.