Annapolis Leukemia Cup Regatta to raise funds for cancer research

by Leukemia and Lymphoma Society on 25 May 2011 The Leukemia Cup Regatta is a series of sailing events that combines the joy of boating with the important task of raising money to fight leukemia, lymphoma and other blood cancers. The Maryland Chapter Leukemia Cup Regatta will be held June 10-11 2011.

On Friday, June 10th, at the SunTrust Sailor’s Launch Party, Oncologist, Dr. Patrick Brown, the Director of Pediatric Leukemia at Johns Hopkins, will speak on ‘Why LLS Research Matters: Translating Scientific Discovery into Patient Cures’. He will speak on behalf of Johns Hopkins where 'Sam Pratt' the Honorary Skipper for the Leukemia Cup Regatta has been treated for Leukemia since January, 2009.

The cure for leukemia and other blood cancers is tantalizingly close. 'Only a few decades ago children like Sam had zero chance of survival, and now the cure rate for childhood leukemia is over 80% and steadily rising', says Sam’s oncologist, Dr. Pat Brown. 'Similar advances are being seen with other blood cancers, both in children and adults. It’s only because of the type of research being funded by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society that this remarkable progress has been possible, and continued funding is needed if we are going to reach our goal of curing every patient.'

The Regatta, first organized in 1993, has spawned dozens of like events throughout the country, raising millions of dollars for research to combat blood cancers.

The sailing weekend begins on Friday, June 10th, 6-10pm, with the SunTrust Sailor’s Launch Party hosted at the Annapolis Maritime Museum. The public is invited and encouraged to attend – the admission is $35 per person. Complimentary beer and wine, hors d’oeuvres and exciting live and silent auctions will highlight the evening. The rolling silent auction will begin promptly at 6pm, and guests are invited to bring a bottle of wine to donate for that silent auction.

The following day, Saturday, June 11th, the regatta will be held on the waters of the Chesapeake Bay, off the shores of historic Annapolis. Last year, more than 90 captains and crew participated; organizers are planning to increase participation in 2011 for this CBYRA-sanctioned, high point event. This year also will feature the second annual J80 Fun Race and Launch Lunch, which will provide patients and families with an up-close and personal experience, as they take to the water on J80 sailboats for a taste of the exciting racing action.

After the regatta, all are invited to one of Annapolis’ best regatta parties, the All Hands Crew Party, held at the Eastport Yacht Club and featuring food, libations (including Wes’ famous Rum Punch), live dance music by the Mid Life Crisis--and the regatta’s closing ceremony. Tickets for the party are available at $35 per person.

In addition, a limited number of 'weekend passes' -- providing for admission to both Friday and Saturday’s events -- are available for $60 per person or $100 per couple. See additional information below.

Since 1993, Annapolis sailors have been joined by sailors across America in raising more than just a sail to help save the lives of children and adults with blood cancers. To date, Leukemia Cup regattas throughout the country have raised more than $35 million.

An Update on Sam Pratt….

On April 27, 2011 Sam took her final dose of chemotherapy! After 26 months of almost daily chemo Sam has completed her treatment. It has been a long journey for Sam and through it all she has stayed strong and joyful. On to the next part of the journey which includes monthly blood and body checks at Johns Hopkins. Once Sam passes the first year without any signs of recurrence she will be past the serious concern point and the frequency of her checks will slowly spread out. Sam’s prognosis to remain in remission is amazing! Hopefully someday soon research will provide others with this hope for a future.

Facts regarding The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society:-

What it does:

Provides critical assistance to patients battling blood cancer in the following ways:
* Furnishing financial aid to assist with everyday expenses for patient medical care (more than $5.8M in support this fiscal year alone)
* Co-pay assistance of up to $18,500 to offset costly treatment expenses. (more that $30M in support this FY)
* Funding the world's best research leading to cures for blood cancers
* Professionally staffing support groups throughout Maryland

The LLS receives no federal funds, and is completely supported by private donations:
* 75 cents of every dollar raised by LLS goes directly to its mission
* programs like the Leukemia Cup Regatta raise much-needed funds and awareness to support the critical and lifesaving work of LLS

For more information contact Jon Rosa at 410-891-1999 or visit the website for all of the latest information on this year’s events. Register online here.

Weekend Ticket Package discounts for tickets bought in advance:
Individual Weekend - $60 - Includes 1 Ticket to the Launch Party and 1 Ticket to the Crew Party (Savings of $10)
Couple Weekend - $100 - Includes 2 Tickets to the Launch Party and 2 Tickets to the Crew Party (Savings of $40)

Friday June 10, Launch Party at the Annapolis Maritime Museum in Eastport
Time: 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Food: Catered hors d'oeuvres
Alcohol: Beer and Wine
Activities: Live and Silent Auction
Cost to attend: $35 per person

Saturday June 11, Fundraising Regatta
Time: Rendezvous at 11:00 AM
Cost for Registration: USSA Members: $45
Others: $55

Saturday June 11, Crew Party at Eastport Yacht Club
Time: 4:00 to 10:00 PM
Food: Catered by Chick-fil-a
Alcohol: Mount Gay Rum, Rita's Ice, Beer and Wine
Music: Mid Life Crisis
Cost to attend: $35 per Leukemia Cup Maryland website