Sheila Brittingham and her mesothelioma warrior husband, Bob, aim to give back to the Meso Foundation every year either by hosting their own fundraiser or supporting another Fundraise for Meso event.
Last fall, they participated in Kayaking 4 Meso, an annual fundraiser organized by Mark Wells in honor of his daughter, Linda, who was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma at 16. Participants kayak through the “Flight of Locks” on the Erie Canal and up the Hudson River to Halfmoon Lighthouse Park in Waterford, NY. Mark’s mission is to raise mesothelioma awareness and support mesothelioma research to fight this rare cancer.
While Bob joined other mesothelioma warriors on a pontoon boat, Sheila made the decision to kayak the entire 7.5-mile trek for the very first time by herself.
“Many people were betting against me, but I did it – the whole thing!” remembered Sheila. “I even felt really good the next day – no soreness – and I contribute that to my personal trainer who works with me two times a week.”
Inspired by last year’s success, Bob and Sheila are making the journey from their home in Selbyville, MD to the ninth annual Kayaking 4 Meso taking place on Saturday, September 7, 2019. And Sheila’s kayaking again!
“This is a wonderful opportunity to meet new people who are all there for the same reason: to support the Wells family and the Meso Foundation,” said Sheila. “I’m 66 years old, and I did this, so anyone can do it!”
Event Details:
- Saturday, September 7, 2019
- 9:00 AM kayak launch from Flight Lock Road in Waterford, NY
- Festivities, including food and refreshments, at Halfmoon Lighthouse Park from 1:30 to 4:00 PM
- More information online at www.kayaking4meso.org
Join Sheila on the water or Bob in the “survivors’ boat” by registering online or contacting Mark Wells at [email protected]. Registration is currently $35 until Saturday, August 17.
Throughout the year, dozens of Fundraise for Meso fundraisers — walks, runs, kayaking, poker tournaments, golf outings, birthday gifts, happy hours and more — are hosted to benefit the Meso Foundation. Interested in hosting your own Fundraise for Meso event? Contact us at [email protected] or 703-879-3797, and we will provide you the tools and resources you’ll need to make your event a success.
Survivors’ boat 
Kayakers stop at one of the locks 
L to R: Mark Wells with survivors: Nick Dominick, Bonnie Anderson, Cris Moldow, Linda Wells, Bob Brittingham and Jill Durivage 
Bob and Sheila at the finish
