Founder, Sail Beyond Cancer North Shore

Suzanne Johnson, a single mother of three, was a busy and successful Burlington Vermont entrepreneur when she received the call and heard the devastating words: “You have cancer.” Numbed, grief-stricken and frightened, she underwent countless rounds of treatments for breast cancer, beginning the long road to recovery. Drawing on her lifelong love of the water, Suzanne remembered that sailing had always been an important part of maintaining her emotional health. She quickly made sailing an integral part of her own cancer recovery and she credits it as being a major factor in making it through the darkest, most challenging period of her life. That experience inspired her to start a non-profit organization in 2014, whose mission was to provide private respite sails free of charge for anyone coping with any type or stage of cancer. The program was an instant success. In its first 5 years, the organization provided private sailing experiences and lasting memories to over 1500 cancer patients and their loved ones. By 2018, Suzanne began to receive calls from folks all over the country asking for advice on how to start a similar program in their part of the country. In response, in February 2020, Suzanne created Sail Beyond Cancer, a national non-profit organization whose mission is to provide life affirming sailing experiences through harnessing the healing powers of wind, water and sail for anyone who is being challenged by cancer. The organization currently has two chapters: Sail Beyond Cancer Vermont and Sail Beyond Cancer North Shore in Massachusetts. SBC’s goal is to continue to create new chapters nationwide. Sail Beyond Cancer North Shore is the name for our Chapter in Salem, Massachusetts located at the Safe Harbor Hawthorne Cove Marina on 10 White Street, Salem, MA. These life-changing experiences are made possible by generous donations from caring corporations, family foundations and individuals. Donations of vessels, equipment, services, time and cash, combined with the dedication of volunteer board members, captains, and crew make it all happen. We invite you to step aboard, lend a hand, and make a difference!