For the third consecutive year, a Columbus resident and cancer patient plans to turn an outdoor endurance challenge into thousands of dollars to help cancer patients in his hometown.
Establishments in both Columbus and Seymour will hold fundraisers to support the efforts of 44-year-old Toby Stigdon, as well as raise money for the Cancer Patient Support Fund at Schneck Medical Center in Seymour.
Kayaking for Cancer 2024 will hold its first fundraiser with an all-day event at Upland Pump House Brewery, 148 Lindsey St. in Columbus, on Tuesday, Sept. 17.
100% of all donations will be used to support cancer patients who receive treatment at the Seymour hospital. In addition, the brewery and restaurant will donate 10% of money raised through food and drinks sales if the customer presents an event flyer.
Stigdon, a husband and father of two children, was diagnosed in 2021 with poorly differentiated thyroid cancer. The Seymour native receives three radiation iodine treatments, which has kept the tumors from growing out of control.
However, the diagnosis is terminal. Stigdon wrote recently that some tumors have grown slightly.
The experience of facing his own mortality gave Stigdon the incentive to found Kayaking for Cancer in 2022. Along with four friends and relatives, Stigdon kayaked 74 miles from the East Fork White River in Columbus to Sparksville in western Jackson County.
That first effort raised near $28,000, which prompted the Schneck Foundation to establish the support fund. Its purpose is to help cancer patients pay their bills, purchase gas to make it to treatments, obtain medications and other needs not covered by insurance, Stigdon wrote.
Last year, Stigdon and three others kayaked 204 miles down the entire length of the East Fork, from Columbus to the West Fork at Petersburg in Pike County. However, fundraising was more difficult in 2023 than during the inaugural year, with $23,000 raised.
It’s hoped that the two fundraising events will substantially raise the amount given to the support fund. Organizers stress that Stigdon does not use any of the money he raises for his own treatments.
Kayaking for Cancer 2024 will hold its second fundraiser – a launch party – from 3 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19 in the Seymour Eagles Lodge, 122 E. Second St. Live musical entertainment will be provided, with food and drink available for purchase.
The next day, on Sunday, Oct. 20, Stigdon will begin his third annual kayaking journey in Petersburg. He plans to travel 140 miles with at least two companions to the Ohio River. The kayaking excursion moves an average of 25 miles each day.
Those who cannot make it to either of the fundraising events, but still wish to make a donation, can send a check to the Cancer Patient Support Fund, 411 W. Tipton St., Seymour, IN 47274.
