In 1996, the Sarcoma Alliance founder, Suzanne Renée Leider, began a project to keep her busy during recovery from metastatic synovial sarcoma.  Three years later, Sage Cuisine was born.  What began as a collection of family recipes turned into a collaborative cookbook created by Suzanne’s family, friends and colleagues that helped move the Sarcoma Alliance from the kitchen table to the established 501(c)(3) nonprofit it is today.

In Suzanne’s own words, “This book was compiled in the spirit of bringing people together for festive meals and gatherings.  It is my firm belief that sharing a wonderful meal with loved ones is as important as any other treatment in the process of healing.”

Our intention with FOOD=LOVE=COMFORT=HEALING is to carry on Suzanne’s legacy by expanding our reach and to share stories of “breaking bread” from families and friends affected by sarcoma nationwide.

PLEASE JOIN US

What is your family’s favorite “go to” dish when there is a celebration or call for comfort? Please share your recipes and, if you’d like, your stories of how your special dish has brought your loved ones together or provided comfort, connectedness and healing.

Email entries for consideration by June 3, 2013 (as a word document) to:   sagecuisine2@sarcomaalliance.org.

Our goal is to complete our collection by August 2013 and make FOOD=LOVE=COMFORT=HEALING available for purchase in November 2013.  We will post our progress on our Facebook page.  Proceeds from the sale of FOOD=LOVE=COMFORT=HEALING will benefit Hand In Hand: the Suzanne Renée Leider Memorial Assistance Fund, which provides grants to cover expenses sarcoma patients incur when seeking second opinion consultations for the diagnosis and treatment of sarcoma.

Since we will be incorporating these recipes into an all-new book, we can’t include recipes that are copyright-protected unless we have the copyright-holder’s permission.  If you submit a recipe, we will assume that you are submitting one of your original recipes and granting the Sarcoma Alliance the unrestricted right to use it.  If you are submitting someone else’s recipe, we will need you to provide confirmation that he or she has granted the Sarcoma Alliance the unrestricted right to use it. 

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In April, we created the second FB page for those who didn’t want to miss any news, which can get lost in the conversations on the first FB page. But we haven’t advertised the new FB page until now.

People also can find news on our blog and on Twitter @sarcomaalliance. If you want to notify us about news, email  info@sarcomaalliance.org and put “news” in the subject header.

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O2H is the Alliance’s largest fundraiser and consists of paddleboard and outrigger-canoe races across the country. The paddlers also raise much-needed awareness about sarcoma, and everyone at the Alliance is grateful to them. As their motto says, they are truly dedicated to the sea of people affected by cancer.

If you can’t party with the paddlers, you can still donate. Click on the following highlighted text to donate on behalf of paddleboarders and outrigger team members. The O2H co-captains are Fred Sardisco and Aimee Spector. So far, those who have committed to the team are: Phil Ambrose, Katy Arnold, Bernadette Foote, Natalie Foote, Scott Gamble, John Kucera, Kellie Lancaster, Joel Pepper, Robert Phelps, Tyler Resh, Mike Rogers, Steve Shlens, Blake Stringer, Dave Stringer, Dawn Suskin and Greg Uruburu.

Other O2H sponsors are: Zinka sunscreen, Patagonia, Gu Energy Gels, Lifefactory bottles, Coastal Eddie paddleboard accessories, Hinano clothing, Zinco Coconut Water,  Jol Design, Ken Pagliaro Photography and Fin Film Productions.  Please support the companies that support O2H.

THE 2013 SCHEDULE

March 3
The Cold Hands Paddle — Cabrillo Beach, San Pedro, CA

What started as a friendly competition between two lifeguards in the cold waters off Cabrillo Beach has turned into a yearly race that brings paddleboards, SUPs, outrigger canoes, kayaks and surf skis together to compete in a 4-mile course around the breakwall. The event is free, but parking is $7. Ocean of Hope team members will have a table at registration where you can buy raffle tickets, T-shirts and gear. All proceeds will go to Hand in Hand: The Suzanne Renée Leider Memorial Assistance Fund, which helps sarcoma patients get a second opinion from an expert.

Volunteers will start setting up the table at 7 a.m., and the race starts at 8:30 a.m. There will be food and drink before the race as well as afterward at a reception between 10-11 a.m. The winner of the surfboard will be announced.
http://lacitylifeguards.pyroinnovations.com/coldhandspaddle.html

June
Hobie / Hennessey’s US Paddlboard Championships — Doheny State Beach, Dana Point, CA

Hennessey’s Taverns of California host Hennessey’s SUP and Paddleboard Racing Series. We are waiting on this year’s schedule. Last year, the event had a pro-course of 6, 8, or 9 miles, depending on the board class, plus a 4-mile fun couse. Many Ocean of Hope team members will compete. The race will start and finish adjacent to the Doheny Main Lifeguard Tower. Courses will be set using GPS and may change based on prevailing weather conditions. Elite races are anticipated to be beach start and beach finish, but may change per surf and tide conditions. Recreational races are anticipated to be water start and beach finish, but may change per surf and tide conditions.

June 1
Paddle for Humanity — Deerfield Beach, FL

Waterman’s Applied Science sponsors Paddle for Humanity, with races across the U.S. We’re awaiting word on this year’s schedule.  http://paddleforhumanity.org/ The Sarcoma Alliance is proud that Waterman’s has chosen us as one of its charity partners. At each race, we can distribute information and sell gear. If  paddlers designate us as their favorite charity, we will get 20 percent of their registration fee. Net proceeds from the events also will be divided among the charity partners.

The results of the races will be applied to World Paddle Association (WPA) rankings. But there also will be an event for anyone who wants to try paddleboarding. Read more on the Deerfield Beach event. In addition to paddleboarders who will register for us, the Alliance is looking for volunteers who will staff a table there and at the next three events.  We want to inform the public and make a welcoming space for anyone whose life has been affected by sarcoma. Read more on our blog.

June 16
Rock 2 Rock Paddleboard Race — Catalina Island to Cabrillo Beach

Rock 2 Rock is a challenging and fun 22-mile course starting from the Isthmus on Catalina Island and finishing at Cabrillo State Beach, San Pedro. The race, started many years ago by famed paddleboard shaper Joe Bark, continues under the leadership of George Loren. It is a qualifier for the Catalina Classic Paddleboard Marathon. You can race solo or in a team, traditional or stand-up. $5 from every competitor’s race fee will be donated to the Sarcoma Alliance. Awesome goodie bags, pre- and post-race meals, a great finish line venue — all good reasons to come to the race. The raffle winner of the Joe Bark paddleboard will be announced. www.rock2rockrace.com.

June 22 
2013 Surftech Jay Mori­ar­ity Memo­r­ial Pad­dle­board Race — Capitola

The Jay Race honors legendary waterman Jay Moriarity. O2H will have a tent at the start / finish line, and the team is excited to be a part of this northern California paddleboard event.

June 22
Paddle for Humanity — Minneapolis, MN

Waterman’s Applied Science sponsors Paddle for Humanity, with races across the U.S.  http://paddleforhumanity.org/ The Sarcoma Alliance is proud that Waterman’s has chosen us as one of its charity partners. At each race, we can distribute information and sell gear. If  paddlers designate us as their favorite charity, we will get 20 percent of their registration fee. Net proceeds from the events also will be divided among the charity partners.

The results of the races will be applied to World Paddle Association (WPA) rankings. But there also will be an event for anyone who wants to try paddleboarding. Read more on the Deerfield Beach event. In addition to paddleboarders who will register for us, the Alliance is looking for volunteers who will staff a table there and at the other events.  We want to inform the public and make a welcoming space for anyone whose life has been affected by sarcoma. Read more on our blog.

 July 20
Paddle for Humanity — Seattle, WA

Waterman’s Applied Science sponsors Paddle for Humanity, with races across the U.S.  http://paddleforhumanity.org/ The Sarcoma Alliance is proud that Waterman’s has chosen us as one of its charity partners. At each race, we can distribute information and sell gear. If  paddlers designate us as their favorite charity, we will get 20 percent of their registration fee. Net proceeds from the events also will be divided among the charity partners.

The results of the races will be applied to World Paddle Association (WPA) rankings. But there also will be an event for anyone who wants to try paddleboarding. Read more on the Deerfield Beach event. In addition to paddleboarders who will register for us, the Alliance is looking for volunteers who will staff a table there and at the other events.  We want to inform the public and make a welcoming space for anyone whose life has been affected by sarcoma. Read more on our blog.

July 28
Moloka’i 2 Oahu Paddleboard World Championships

Both stand-up and traditional paddleboarding champions from around the world will gather in Hawaii to test their athletic ability in the  most iconic event in the paddling community. The 32-mile crossing of the Ka’iwi Channel connects the islands of Moloka’i and Oahu. More than 2,300 feet deep, the channel creates a funnel effect that shoots billions of gallons of seawater between the islands each hour. Combine that with trade winds, and the seas can range from 8 to 15 feet on an average day and upwards of 20 feet on an extreme day. The Ocean of Hope will have competitors in the race, as well as an information tent  in Honolulu.  http://www.molokai2oahu.com/

O2H began at the Classic, with one paddler racing in honor of Sarcoma Alliance founder Suzanne Leider. Since 1999, scores of athletes have paddled the grueling 32 miles from Catalina Island to Manhattan Beach. People who raise $3,000 for the Alliance can have their names, or the name of a loved one, on a paddleboard. Go to Active.com to donate. Get inspired by this gorgeous video of the Classic by Chris Aguilar of Soul Surf Media. O2H will have tents with food, drink, merchandise and raffle tickets for sale on Manhattan Beach. Come out and support our team! http://catalinaclassicpaddleboardrace.org/index.html

August 31  
Paddle for Humanity — Potomac River, Washington, D.C.

The Sarcoma Alliance is proud that Waterman’s has chosen us as one of its charity partners. At each race, we can distribute information and sell gear. If  paddlers designate us as their favorite charity, we will get 20 percent of their registration fee. Net proceeds from the events also will be divided among the charity partners.

The results of the races will be applied to World Paddle Association (WPA) rankings. But there also will be an event for anyone who wants to try paddleboarding. In addition to paddleboarders who will register for us, the Alliance is looking for volunteers who will staff a table there and at the next two events.  We want to inform the public and make a welcoming space for anyone whose life has been affected by sarcoma. Read more on our blog.

September 7-8 
U.S. Outrigger Championships — Newport Beach to Avalon, Catalina Island

First held in 1959, the Catalina race is the ultimate outrigger canoe race in California. Teams from all over the state, plus Canada, Hawaii, Guam and Japan, come to compete in the two-day event. Women, junior and coed teams race from Newport Beach to Avalon on Saturday, and men and master coed teams race back on Sunday. Ocean of Hope team members from Lanakila Outrigger Canoe Club raise money through their own fundraising pages each year.
http://www.active.com/donate/OutriggerO2H2013
http://www.lanakilaocc.com
http://www.socaloutrigger.org/race-schedule/

September  14 
Paddle for Humanity — Town Lake, Austin, TX

The Sarcoma Alliance is proud that Waterman’s has chosen us as one of its charity partners. At each race, we can distribute information and sell gear. If  paddlers designate us as their favorite charity, we will get 20 percent of their registration fee. Net proceeds from the events also will be divided among the charity partners.

The results of the races will be applied to World Paddle Association (WPA) rankings. But there also will be an event for anyone who wants to try paddleboarding. In addition to paddleboarders who will register for us, the Alliance is looking for volunteers who will staff a table there and at the next two events.  We want to inform the public and make a welcoming space for anyone whose life has been affected by sarcoma. Read more on our blog.

September 21
Paddle for Humanity — Newport Beach, CA

Waterman’s Applied Science sponsors Paddle for Humanity, with races across the U.S.  http://paddleforhumanity.org/ The Sarcoma Alliance is proud that Waterman’s has chosen us as one of its charity partners. At each race, we can distribute information and sell gear. If  paddlers designate us as their favorite charity, we will get 20 percent of their registration fee. Net proceeds from the events also will be divided among the charity partners.

The results of the races will be applied to World Paddle Association (WPA) rankings. But there also will be an event for anyone who wants to try paddleboarding. Read more on the Deerfield Beach event. In addition to paddleboarders who will register for us, the Alliance is looking for volunteers who will staff a table there and at the other events.  We want to inform the public and make a welcoming space for anyone whose life has been affected by sarcoma. Read more on our blog.

September 
The Hennessey’s International Paddleboard — Hermosa Beach, CA
We’re still waiting for this year’s schedule. Last year, Ocean of  Hope was part of the Sponsor Expo.

November
The Hennessey’s International Paddleboard — Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

In 1999,

Keep up with the 2012 Classic on Facebook.

O2H began in 1999 at the Classic, when one paddler raced in honor of Alliance founder Suzanne Leider. Since then, scores of athletes have paddled 32 miles from the Isthmus of Catalina to Manhattan Beach, raising more than $600,000 for sarcoma patients.

Read about the Classic on our blog, which has a story on our founder; what the day was like in 2010 and 2011; a 2010 photo and feature on Joel Pepper and his aunt, Janet Lasley, who died of leoimyosarcoma; and 2011 features on Steve Shikiya and Mike Rogers. Here are 2011 photos.

Famous board shaper Joe Bark has generously donated paddleboards for our raffles. Check out the latest at the Classic, and read about previous raffles here, here and here.

After the Classic, O2H women from the Lanakila Outrigger Canoe Club in Redondo Beach will compete Sept. 8  in the U.S. Outrigger Championships — Catalina Crossing in Newport Beach. The team consists of Aimee Spector, Katy Arnold, Heather Suskin, Dawn Suskin, Jean Geddes and Theresa Connelly.

Read about our winning women in 2009 here, here and here; in 2010; and in 2011 here and here.

Waterman’s Applied Science sponsors a series of races called Paddle for Humanity. This year, we are grateful that P4H named O2H a charity partner. If paddlers designate us as their favorite charity, we will get 20 percent of their registration fees. Net proceeds from the events also will be divided among the charity partners.

Beginners are welcome to join in the fun, and spectators can watch for free. You can read more about Paddle for Humanity on our blog.

Athletes cerebrate after each season — here’s a little from 2010. In January 2012, the party grew into a gala called the Power of the Ocean, and we look forward to another gala next spring.

We featured Scott Gamble in 2010 here and here, and then again in 2011.

The Ocean of Hope is the largest annual fundraising campaign for the Sarcoma Alliance. 2013 marks the 14th year anniversary of both the Ocean of Hope (O2H) and the Sarcoma Alliance. It has been a fantastic journey! In that time, O2H has raised over $600,000 in support of sarcoma cancer patients and their families.

The Ocean of Hope started as a single event, intertwined with the historic Catalina Classic paddleboard marathon every August between Catalina Island and Manhattan Beach. Ten years later, O2H is comprised of not only paddleboard racers but outrigger, and stand up paddlers racing in open ocean events throughout the year.

Team O2H is made of a dedicated group of athletes who commit themselves to support the Sarcoma Alliance and the thousands of sarcoma patients and their families that rely on it. The goal is to raise awareness and funds for the Sarcoma Alliance so that it can continue provide guidance, education, and support to the sarcoma cancer community.

On Facebook.com, you can join our Ocean of Hope or Sarcoma Alliance group.

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Combining her love of dance with her desire to raise sarcoma awareness in honor of her aunt Josephine Schiavo who was diagnosed with sarcoma in 2007, Christina developed “Performers with a Purpose: Bringing Sarcoma Awareness Center Stage”. She has implemented this unique program in three Brooklyn public schools. Christina has taught dance clinics and spread the joy of the arts to many students. Her efforts culminated in the May 7th fundraising benefit which featured her prized pupils as well as amateur and professional dancers, including dancers from the Alvin Ailey Dance Studio.

Please check back to see what she has in store for the Sarcoma Alliance in the second half of 2011. In the meantime, you can also make a donation in honor of Christina and Josephine!

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