Suzanne shared her inspiring story of how she was diagnosed with cancer 10 years ago as a single mom of three and how she turned this battle into a non-profit organization to honor those battling cancer through wind, water, and sail. Suzanne grew up on Long Island and has sailed all of her life. While battling cancer herself, she found that sailing allowed her to leave the anxiety of cancer on the shore and forget her diagnosis while at sea. Sail Beyond Cancer North Shore was created to share this experience with others who are fighting cancer.
Anyone with cancer of any age or diagnosis can have a guided private sail with their loved ones. Recipients of the experience are nominated by others through the Sail Beyond Cancer website and are known as “nominees.” Nominees work with Suzanne’s team to identify a date when they would feel well enough to sail and take a three-hour tour with their loved ones. While at sea, the nominee is given the helm so they can have control over something in their lives. This experience benefits both the nominee and their loved ones who are also impacted by the nominee’s illness.
Sail Beyond Cancer North Shore has two vessels and sails from Hawthorne Cove Safe Harbor Marina twice a day, five days a week. Beginning in 2018, they completed 17 sails and served 98 people. In 2019, this number rose to 37 sails and 139 people. COVID-19 impacted the 2020 year, but following health and safety protocols, they were still able to complete 5 sails with 25 people.
Sail Beyond Cancer North Shore is a 501c(3) and has a second chapter in Vermont. The organization raises funds to cover all expenses so there is no cost to the nominee. Suzanne shared a video of a nominee named Fran who has terminal stage 4 brain cancer. He has taken two sails and noted that while on the water, he feels cancer free. He added that the power of sailing and the wind is healing, and he does not feel his symptoms while at sea.
Suzanne also shared an inspirational video from the Vermont chapter that gave an overview of the organization with more testimonials about how beneficial these experiences are to the nominees. They will be making a Salem video this summer. She closed by saying, “Cancer is real and is everywhere.” She encouraged us all to consider nominating someone who is battling cancer for a sail. They also have opportunities for volunteers and sponsors. For more information or to nominate someone with cancer, visit their website.
CALENDAR WINNER!
Raeleen George of Salem
Sold by Joe Amico
VisIting Rotarians & Guests
Three members of Sail Beyond Cancer North Shore’s Board joined us this week: Peg Harrington, Betsy Fermano and Pat.
ROTARY MINUTE
Rinus Oosthoek shared that there are only three months left to submit a donation to the Rotary Foundation this year. Of all money donated this year, 50% will return to the District in three years for distribution through the grant programs. Events like the Polar Plunge that we typically support and participate in, did not occur due to the pandemic. If you would like to make a contribution, of any size, you can donate on their website.
Why I am A SALEM Rotarian
John Fisher began our meeting by sharing why he became and remains a Rotarian. Before our meeting started, John had been chatting with the group about where he grew up in Pennsylvania. He described a very small town where all in the community pitched in for the greater good, including a volunteer fire department. John’s joining Rotary reflects the community, service and volunteerism that were instilled in him by his parents and the community he grew up in. John was invited to join Salem Rotary in 1977. He enjoyed the community activism and service of the Club then and still does today. John has selected Francesca Little to share next week.
RotarIAN NEWS...
Mark Shaw acknowledged the three Rotarians who were murdered while working to distribute the polio vaccine to villagers in Afghanistan.
Tim Clarke recommended Down East Dickering, a show on Amazon Prime that takes place in Bethel, Maine. It is a reality show that follows locals who make their living through things they find in a want ad publication. Jen Close also endorses this show.
Jen Close announced that Morgan was accepted into Whittier Tech! She also added that there will be an email coming out about the Spring Break Series from the fundraising committee in the coming week. The first event will take place Friday, April 30 and the following two will be on Friday, May 14, and Friday, May 28. Save the dates!
Jason Consalvo shared a story about one of his first meetings with John Fisher at Chris Casey’s installation dinner. John asked if Jason flossed. He added that brushing your teeth only cleans 60% of your teeth, and Jason did not seem like a 60% kind of guy. Jason thinks of this often in life and strives to give 100%. We are still not sure if he flosses regularly though!
John Fisher visited church online. In the sermon, he heard about a university professor who quit his job to teach inner city children. The teacher ran into a former colleague and told him he found the experience very satisfying. The colleague asked what he made, and the teacher responded, “I make a difference.”
Gerrit Bradley gave a long overdue bird report. He said many varietals are returning to the shoreline for the spring and summer. He also shared how he saw a barred owl in his neighborhood while walking his dog. The owl flew away making no sound. Jason added that while riding bikes with his family over the weekend, he and Harrison heard squawking and saw two crows dive bombing a hawk to chase it away.
Club Announcements
Salem Rotary Scholarship Applications Are Posted!
The 2021 scholarship applications are now available on our website. The Scholarship Committee is already working to promote this opportunity to seniors. Please help get the word out in any way you can and direct interested applicants to the “download files” section of our homepage on the bottom right for the applications. Applicants must be residents of Salem, Massachusetts and may not be the child, grandchild, niece, nephew, great niece or great nephew (this includes adoptive or step relationship) of any current member of Salem Rotary, or any person that has been a member of Salem Rotary within the past five years. These scholarships are available to grade 12 high school and trade school students pursuing college or a vocational trade. Applications will be accepted from February 24 through April 10, 2021.
18 Washington Square
Salem, MA 01970 United States of America
We are currently meeting via Zoom due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We look forward to returning to the Hawthorne Hotel soon! In the meantime, please email president@salemrotary.com for our Zoom link.
SUZANNE JOHNSON
John Fisher began our meeting by sharing why he became and remains a Rotarian. Before our meeting started, John had been chatting with the group about where he grew up in Pennsylvania. He described a very small town where all in the community pitched in for the greater good, including a volunteer fire department. John’s joining Rotary reflects the community, service and volunteerism that were instilled in him by his parents and the community he grew up in. John was invited to join Salem Rotary in 1977. He enjoyed the community activism and service of the Club then and still does today. John has selected Francesca Little to share next week.
Salem Rotary Scholarship Applications Are Posted!
