SU4C Winter News 2024

ABOUT ANNIE

Annie graduated from the University of Connecticut Honors Program in 2020 with double majors in Political Science and Environmental Studies. Annie completed her Honors Thesis in Political Science on the governance of ocean pollution in 2020, as well. She has experience in fundraising for non-profit organizations and is proficient in the professional use of social media. Her interests include climate justice and ocean pollution. I recently received my United States Coast Guard Captain's License and am a proud SU4C Board member.

Why should you support Sails Up 4 Cancer? By Annie Longo

My name is Annie Longo and I have been on the Executive Board of SU4C since the spring of 2020 when Courtney Moore reached out to me because the board was looking for some younger members. I have been attending SU4C regattas since middle school when I did one of my first ever keelboat regattas with my dad, my sister, and my sailing coach Sam Greenfield. I will never forget what a fun environment it was. At the after party, my sister and I were one of many kids in attendance, so it showed me that sailboat racing can be fun at any age! Of course, the sailing was great, too. From then, I was hooked.

Fast forward to the end of my undergraduate career - I get an email from Courtney asking if I would consider joining the board. I was so excited! Of course I said yes. I already loved fundraising - my friends said that was my real major in college. Beyond the excitement, I feel a deep emotional connection to Sails Up. We lost both of my mom’s parents to cancer within a few years of each other when I was young. They were barely 70 years old. Cancer sucks. 

Over the years, I’ve watched other local families go through the same thing. All illnesses weigh heavily on families who have trouble affording treatment. When you’re dealing with something like cancer, you have to worry about so many treatment costs, on top of the emotional toll it takes on your family. This is why it was so easy for me to say yes to Courtney. SU4C is one of my favorite nonprofit organizations because I know the funds we raise are going directly into the hands of people who really need it. When someone local is struggling to pay their bills because of their cancer, they write up a short application and send it over to us. When approved by the board, we write the applicant a check and ideally, a financial burden is taken off their shoulders. We want no cancer patients to feel like they’re alone, like they have no options. SU4C is an option and we are always happy to help. 

I plan to stay involved with SU4C for a long time because I wholeheartedly believe in our mission. I will continue to share our mission with others and hopefully inspire my sailing students to get involved, too!

Written by Bob Davis, on February 27th.

I was honored to receive this citation on behalf of Sails Up 4 Cancer Inc during our first Creating Hope Gala supporting our unique Spinnaker Fund at the Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa on February 3rd. 

Presenting this official citation from the State of Connecticut General Assembly is the Honorable Senator Heather Somers. The citation reads: 

Be it hereby known to all that: 

The Connecticut General Assembly 

Offers its sincerest congratulations to: 

Sails Up 4 Cancer Inc. 

In recognition of 

Your mission to fund education, prevention, care, and cures for all types of cancer through the art and enjoyment of sailing is truly remarkable. Under the leadership of Bob Davis, president and founder, SU4C has been able to financially assist many local cancer care centers plus individuals and families struggling financially while battling cancer. We thank you for the important work you do. 

The entire membership extends its 

very best wishes on this memorable occasion. 

And expresses the hope for continued success. 

Given this 3rd day of February 2024 

As today is my 75th birthday, I could not ask for a more meaningful gift. I would like to thank Sen. Somers and Courtney Moore for making this all possible. I will be forever grateful to all our supporters and volunteers. 

Please visit www.su4c.org to make a donation. 

A letter from The Leukemia Lymphoma Society

Dear Sails Up Friends-

I wanted to provide you with a quick update. 

A few weeks ago, my colleague Danielle Bubnis told you about a bill we’re working on that would save seniors undergoing cancer treatment thousands of dollars per year in health care costs. It’s called the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act. 

Well, we've been talking with several U.S. Senate offices, and they tell us it’s crucial that they hear from more of our volunteers in support of the bill. 

Right now, please send a message to your U.S. Senators in support of this pro-patient legislation before our window closes to quickly get it passed.  The LLS action form makes it quick and simple to do. 

Let me tell you a little more about it. Big hospital systems have been quietly acquiring local doctors’ offices. That allows them to charge Medicare patients thousands of dollars more for the same cancer treatment. Patients are stuck having to pay hospital rates for cancer treatment even though they weren’t treated inside the hospital. 

The bill I’m asking you to take action on would help put a stop to this unfair billing practice. 

You might remember that LLS advocates helped convince the U.S. House to pass this bill in December. Now we’re trying to convince your Senators to include this bill in the big funding package they will vote on next month. 

Thank you for taking action. The work you do as an advocacy volunteer is vital to our success on Capitol Hill. 

Brian Connell

Vice President, Federal Affairs

The Leukemia Lymphoma Society 

Never Forgotten:

 Sue Allard • Martin Berkofsky • Fe Baran (Briggs) • Louise Ann Brown

Lillian Betty Davis (Bowes) 

Laraine Cellucci • Joyce M. (Costa) Centazzo • Jennifer Fake • Michael Friedman 

H.P. Garvin, Jr. • Mark Grabherr • Caroline Hobart • Claire E Holzner

Barbara Theresa Irvine

Peter Korenkiewicz • Erik Laisi • Margot Larson • Patricia Lohr • Linda & Bruce Lockwood

Marlene Marcello McKenna • Yvonne Montmeat • Sidney H. Petrie • Jack Pruitt 

Walter “Bim” Ramsey • Nancy D. Ryan • James Wightman • Rob Wildermuth

Timothy Wyatt

How To Help...

Attend & volunteer for SU4C events, Donate funds, Be a sponsor, Donate auction items, 

Spread the word about SU4C, Make your regatta a SU4C event

Our Beneficiaries...

Spinnaker Fund Recipients (numerous individuals & families), L+M Cancer Center Middlesex Hospital • Skeleton Crew Adventures

SU4C is a non profit organization dedicated to funding research in the education, prevention, care and cure for all types of cancer through the art and enjoyment of sailing.

Questions? Bob Davis Rdavis@su4c.org