Austin Group Raises $1M-Plus To Fight Cancer

AUSTIN, TX — Flatwater Foundation surpassed its goal of raising more than $1 million during the group's 10th Annual TYLER’s Dam That Cancer fundraising event, organizers announced on Thursday.

The event took place on Monday, June 10, with more than 200 participants paddling a 21-mile course from Mansfield Dam on Lake Austin to Tom Miller Dam on stand-up paddle boards to raise funds. The throngs aimed to raise awareness to the foundation's mission of providing mental health support to those affected by cancer diagnoses and their families.

Flatwater Foundation Executive Director Mark Garza created the event ten years ago to raise awareness for the importance of mental health support after experiencing the impact of his father’s stage IV cancer diagnosis.

Among this year’s most notable paddlers were Brendan Hansen, three-time Olympic swimmer and six-time Olympic medalist; Jason Carrier, owner of Carmack Concepts; and Cary Kepler, co-founder of CrossFit Central.

Following the completion of their 10-hour paddle, TYLER’S Dam That Cancer concluded with a post-paddle party at the LCRA Redbud Center lawn, a tree-shaded waterfront property alongside Tom Miller Dam and adjacent to Hula Hut. Guests enjoyed a live entertainment on the Hewlett Stage with beer provided by Landshark and wine provided by William Chris Vineyards.

Flatwater Foundation Director of Development Chelsea Hardee poses with Executive Director Mark Garza, the event's founder. Photo by Caleb Kerr used with permission.