Our Story

Suzanne Snyder 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.

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“I experienced first-hand how emotionally devastating and overwhelming cancer can be for not only the patient, but for their caregivers and families,” says Snyder Johnson, “We all needed a break, a respite, a time-out from cancer, but there was none.”

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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.

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That experience inspired her in 2014, to start a non-profit organization 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 Honoring Those Challenged by Cancer by Harnessing the Healing Powers of Wind, Water, and Sail. Our sailing excursions are for anyone who is being challenged by cancer. The organization currently has three chapters: Sail Beyond Cancer Vermont, Sail Beyond Cancer North Shore in Massachusetts, Sail Beyond Cancer Annapolis, MD. Sail Beyond Cancer's organizational goal is to continue to create new chapters nationwide.

 

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!