John Wayne Cancer Foundation gives $60K to Catalina cancer camp
The John Wayne Cancer Foundation has awarded a $60,000 grant to Newport Aquatic Center for We Are Ocean, a five-day camp for 24 young adult cancer fighters on Catalina Island from Aug. 24-28. The program uses ocean activities and outdoor adventure to support campers in treatment or remission.
Why it matters: - The grant funds a five-day camp designed to give young adults with cancer a chance to recover, connect and build confidence through outdoor activity. - The program ties cancer support to the same Catalina Island waters long associated with the Wayne family and Newport Beach’s ocean community. - The camp pairs recreation with a support setting that includes experienced rowers and athletes.
What happened: - The John Wayne Cancer Foundation announced a $60,000 grant to Newport Aquatic Center for the We Are Ocean camp. - The camp will take place Aug. 24-28 at Emerald Bay on Catalina Island. - The program is limited to 24 young adult cancer fighters. - Participants include people in active treatment and people in remission.
The details: - Campers will take part in outrigger canoe paddling, kayaking and paddleboarding. - The program also includes swimming, snorkeling, sailing, hiking and ocean education. - The Catalina location matches waters and coves the Wayne family enjoyed for decades. - John Wayne and his family spent time between Newport Beach and Catalina Island aboard The Wild Goose. - Catalina Island was a favorite destination for Wayne dating back to the 1920s. - In 1971, The Wild Goose served as the escort vessel for the Catalina Crossing outrigger canoe race from Newport Beach to Catalina. - Newport Aquatic Center Executive Director Billy Whitford served as steersman for one of the competing outrigger crews. - Ethan Wayne helped crew the support skiff during the race. - The partnership also reflects the legacy of Jack Marshall Shimko, who founded We Are Ocean. - Shimko’s Paddle 2 Live event in 2011 raised funds for the John Wayne Cancer Foundation. - The camp staff includes Olympic and world-class rowers and athletes.
Between the lines: - The donation blends the John Wayne Cancer Foundation’s cancer-support mission with a place-based legacy story that links family history, ocean sports and community fundraising. - Ethan Wayne framed the gift as a tribute to Shimko and his belief in outdoor engagement for people facing cancer. - That framing suggests the foundation sees adventure and shared experience as part of the healing model, not just a one-time grant.
What's next: - We Are Ocean will host the Catalina camp Aug. 24-28. - Newport Aquatic Center and the John Wayne Cancer Foundation are positioned to keep the ocean-adventure partnership connected to future support programs. - JWCF said it continues funding cancer support programs across the country.
The bottom line: - The $60,000 grant turns a longtime Catalina connection into a hands-on camp experience for young adults facing cancer.
Disclaimer: This article was produced by AGP Wire with the assistance of artificial intelligence based on original source content and has been refined to improve clarity, structure, and readability. This content is provided on an “as is” basis. While care has been taken in its preparation, it may contain inaccuracies or omissions, and readers should consult the original source and independently verify key information where appropriate. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, investment, or other professional advice.
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